China vs. Brazil: Comparison of labor rights and workplace conditions at Foxconn
| China | Brazil | |
|---|---|---|
| Wage in US Dollars | Basic monthly wage (CNY) Shenzhen – 1800 ($286) Chengdu – 1550 ($246) Zhengzhou – 1550 ($246) |
Basic monthly wage (Reais) 1050 ($580) |
| Vacation Pay | 5 days paid vacation after 1 year | 30 days paid vacation after 1 year, plus 1/3 salary bonus during vacation |
| Maximum workweek | 60-70 hours per week | 44 hours per week |
| Current minimum wages | Minimum wage (CNY) Shenzhen- 1500 ($238) Chengdu- 1050 ($166) Zhengzhou- 1080 ($171) |
Minimum wage(Reais) 622 Reais($342), but varies by region |
| Lunch subsidies | None. Most workers report spending CNY 300-400 ($47.56-$63.42); cost depends on whether workers eat inside Foxconn plant | Yes. 94,83R/month |
| Independent union representation | No | Yes, but no guarantee of Stewards |
| Workplace safety committee | Yes, with management-chosen members and largely non-functional | Yes, joint with management and with employee-elected representatives. |
| Maternity Leave | In theory. Required by law but not provided by Foxconn. | 4 months paid by law. CBA often above that. |
| Severance | ? | 1 month pay/yr of service. 1.5 if over 45 years old |
| Unemployment Insurance | Mandatory but not provided | 3-5 months |
| Healthcare | National plan | Universal healthcare plus CBA above it. Committee formed to negotiate |
| Profit Sharing | None | One month’s salary |
| End-of-year differential/annual bonus | One month’s salary | One month’s salary |
| Paid Holidays | 11 national holidays | 8 national and 5 local paid holidays |