NHRC issues notice to Centre, Tamil Nadu government on Foxconn's alleged hiring discrimination against married women

Meanwhile, Foxconn has said it 'vigorously refutes allegations of employment discrimination based on marital status, gender, religion or any other form.'

New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission on Monday sought reports from Union Ministry of Labour and Tamil Nadu government over reports of multinational major Foxconn "systematically excluding" married women from jobs at its assembly plant in Tamil Nadu's Sriperumbudur.

If true, the NHRC said, it raises a "serious issue of discrimination" against married women causing the violation of the right to equality and equal opportunity. It has issued notices to the Union Labour Secretary and the Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary, asking them to submit their reports within a week.

It is the obligation of the state to ensure that all companies follow the norms and regulations relating to the labour laws and the right to health and dignity to individuals, including women, who are working in the supply chain of any production unit of the private sector, the NHRC said.

Taking suo motu cognizance of media reports, the NHRC said the fact that gender equality is not only required in the Indian constitution but the international treaty and covenants, viz. International Covenant Civil and Political Rights, and the International Covenant of Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights also provide non-discrimination on the ground of gender in any form of employment. 

Quoting media reports, it said it is alleged by a former HR Executive at Foxconn, India that verbal directions have been given to the Indian hiring agencies by the company in this regard. It is also stated that the company does not hire married women because of cultural issues and societal pressure.

Last week, the Ministry of Labour and Employment had sought a detailed report from the Tamil Nadu labour department on the issue. Section 5 of the Equal Remuneration Act 1976 clearly stipulates that no discrimination is to be made while recruiting men and women workers, the Ministry had said.