Apple aims to improve working conditions for technology workforce

Apple has published a list of all its suppliers for the first time and says it will allow independent observers into its facilities around the world to monitor working conditions.

Apple said it has increased its inspection of factories to ensure proper working conditions for suppliers' employees, according to the BBC.

The move is aimed at countering criticism over how workers are treated after a series of suicides last year at factories owned by Apple supplier Foxconn, which also makes products for Amazon, Microsoft, HP and other technology companies.

Apple is also the first technology company to the Fair Labour Association, which monitors global workplace conditions, according to The Telegraph.

Last week, Apple released its sixth annual supplier responsibility report, detailing the results of audits of more than 200 factories of suppliers.

Apple chief executive Tim Cook told the Wall Street Journal that his company wanted to be more transparent about standards in its supply chain and raise the bar for the technology industry.

According to the report, Apple found that suppliers were 97% in compliance with its policies preventing underage working, but only 38% with Apple's policy of restricting working time to 60 hours a week. Cook said he was confident Apple could improve the situation.

The Fair Labour Association has welcomed Apple’s move, saying that standards set by suppliers can often do more than governments can because the power of their contract is often greater than local laws.