Microsoft Investigates 'Mass Suicide Threat'

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Microsoft is investigating working conditions at a Chinese factory producing the Xbox games system after more than 300 employees reportedly threatened to throw themselves off a building.

Chinese news websites said aggrieved staff at the Foxconn factory in Wuhan had asked for a raise before the incident.

The employees were apparently told they could keep their jobs with no pay increase or resign and receive a pay-off.

But after most opted to leave and take the compensation, the offer was reportedly withdrawn and the workers did not receive their payments.

Websites, including Record China, said the decision sparked outrage at the factory, with production halted as the workers took to the building's roof.

The city's mayor eventually intervened to talk the group down, following the incident on January 2.

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Foxconn, which also manufactures Nintendo, Apple and Sony products, hit the headlines in 2010 when more than a dozen employees committed suicide, leading the firm to install suicide-prevention nets at some of its plants.

Microsoft issued a statement to Sky News, saying: "Microsoft takes working conditions in the factories that manufacture its products very seriously, and we are currently investigating this issue.

"We have a stringent vendor code of conduct that spells out our expectations, and we monitor working conditions closely on an ongoing basis and address issues as they emerge.

"Microsoft is committed to the fair treatment and safety of workers employed by our vendors, and to ensuring conformance with Microsoft policy."
 
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