Brazil sues over alleged factory labor problems

is reportedly facing a $108 million lawsuit from Brazil, which is claiming “serious” labor violations at the smartphone maker’s Manaus factory. At lst 2,000 workers suffered injuries after being forced to work 15-hour days and not getting enough brk time, aBrazilian labor organization claims Wednesday.The website of the group Reporter Brasil cites Brazil prosecutors and the government’s labor ministry. In 2011, the South Korn smartphone maker paid $200,000 to settled similar charges over working conditions made by the government…“We will conduct a thorough review and fully co-operate with the Brazilian authorities,” said in a Wednesday statement (viaThe Guardian.) The company announced it takes“grt care to provide a workplace environment that assures the highest industry standards of hlth, safety, and welfare for our employees across the world.”Along with back injuries caused by long periods of standing, labor investigators also charge workers at ’s Manaus plant assembled products faster than safely practicable.This isn’t the first time has had to respond to worker safety issues.In 2012, the company audited its plants in China afterreports of child employees. The checks found no child workers, but did revl some safety problems.Of course, has also undergone its own share of criticism regarding worker safety and environmental issues. Such issues will only incrse as manufacturers attempt to meet growing demands for smart while at the same time chasing growth opportunities to emerging nations where worker regulation is lax.Finally, as consumers become more price conscious, smartphone makers will seek ways to produce products and retain some profit. Manufacturing, along with workers, are two prime ars where companies such as can satisfy both consumers and investors.