I think we're misleading ourselves to compare suicide stats and debate acceptable/normal levels. Its the wrong conversation and FoxConn is enjoining the thread with this anti-suicide contract. Possibly they think they really are trying to help and also address the bad PR.
The root of a factory worker's problems is low wages and no way out. On the other side of the value chain, the root is consumers spending their money with little understanding of how their dollars effect the lives of people on the other side of the world. The "exposes" on FoxConn are sensational and poorly written but at least we are having this conversation now as a result. FoxConn may be at the top of the curve in employee treatment compared to other factories and its still a life constricting hellhole to many/most.
The root of a factory worker's problems is low wages and no way out. On the other side of the value chain, the root is consumers spending their money with little understanding of how their dollars effect the lives of people on the other side of the world. The "exposes" on FoxConn are sensational and poorly written but at least we are having this conversation now as a result. FoxConn may be at the top of the curve in employee treatment compared to other factories and its still a life constricting hellhole to many/most.