Harsh factory environments triggering Chinese workers’ suicides

Dismal working conditions in Chinese electronic factories are contributing to many of the suicides of their workers, alleged a joint study published by Hong Kong-based Economic Rights Institute, a think tank supporting fair economic development, and labour rights group Electronics Watch.

The report assessed 167 cases of “attempted or completed suicides”, and “public displays of suicidal intent” in China since 2010.

According to the study, the number and profile of employee suicide cases has changed in China, due in some part to difficult working conditions. Employees in many electronics factories face heavy consequences for minor job infractions, and high job anxiety and insecurity as a result.

Among the other reasons cited by the report are managers ignoring worker stress, and recruiters withholding promised bonuses.