According to Insider, workers at a Houston facility that repairs Apple, Dell and Lenovo claim they work in sweatshop conditions. According to Insider, workers at a Houston, Texas facility that repairs Apple, Dell, and Lenovo claim they are working in sweatshop conditions. They also claim they don't have air conditioning and their wages at CSAT Solutions (a company that works as a repair partner with tech companies such as Apple).The report is well worth the read. Employees also claim that there are not enough bathrooms or parking spaces for workers. They also say that their phones can't be used while they work, except in cases of emergency or family members. Insider was told by one employee that she found out that her son had been burned and taken to hospital.Many employees expected an environment that was representative of Apple's prestige.Insider reports that some CSAT employees were surprised by the working conditions. They expected a workplace reflective of Apple's prestige. They were reportedly subject to difficult quotas and paid $12-$14 an hour with no prospects of promotions or raises. Insider heard from employees that they were required to work 60 hours per week to make ends meet.CSAT Solutions didn't immediately respond to The Verge's email inquiry. Insider was told by representatives from CSAT that they have high standards in their workplace and that they investigate employee complaints. Apple stated in a statement to The Verge that it would investigate the allegations and that it would be looking into employee complaints.According to employees, they felt that their concerns and requests were not being addressed.Insider reports that employees felt ignored for their concerns and complaints to management. Apple stated to The Verge that it had evaluated CSATs Houston multiple times over the past few years but did not discuss its findings.Apple's practice of visiting suppliers and inspecting their facilities seems routine (PDF). This may allow suppliers to present themselves as more positive. Multiple employees have shared stories about being asked to do work more in line with the rules when Apple auditors were present.Apple stated to The Verge that its standards are the best in the industry and has a dedicated page on its website about supplier responsibility. Three stories have been published about forced labor and labor law violations, where Apple is alleged to have turned a blindeye, as well as protests against pay cuts. Apple's employees are fighting to be able to work remotely.CSAT works for both Dell and Lenovo.Insider also raised concerns about CSATs use of temp agencies to hire workers. Apples Supplier Code and Responsibility Standards (PDF) states that these standards apply to subcontractors. Apples suppliers are responsible to ensure that companies they hire comply with the code. According to Insider, CSAT does also work for Dell and Lenovo. CSATs website has a promotional video that features Dell's logo.CSAT Solutions employee reviews on Glassdoor and Indeed echo the concerns raised by Insider. Many reviewers compare working conditions to sweatshops and warn prospective employees about low wages. They also express dissatisfaction at working hours and quotas. Several reviews support the claims regarding the cleanliness, availability, heat, broken air conditioners, and strict no-cellphone rules. Although there are some positive reviews, many are not from repair employees.CSAT employee reviews often mention 60-hour workweeks.CSAT has a job posting for a computer technician position. It states that applicants must be willing and able to work overtime. According to Apple's guidelines (PDF), workweeks must be limited to 60 hours including overtime.Full statement from Heres Apples:
