Angry Apple Employees Defy Chinese Government Containment Policy

A recently surfaced video shows a large number of MacBook Pro workers forced through COVID barriers built to confine them to a Chinese plant. The aforesaid video footage has been making the rounds online, showing workers going toe-to-toe with white protective coveralls-cladded guards. Notably, the Quanta Computer-owned plant is question enforces workers to abide by strict lockdown conditions. Furthermore, these restrictions are not limited to the “closed-loop” production system that some Apple product manufacturing facilities adopt.

Apple was reportedly gearing up for the imminent arrival of a new MacBook Air. However, the Cupertino-based tech behemoth didn't mention the purported products at its March event. An industry analyst speculated that the MacBook Air could arrive either in September or November this year. However, details about the Pro model's launch were scarce at the moment. It was tentatively slated to launch sometime this year. Amid the uncertainty of the Apple products' debut, the Chinese government seems to spare no effort in imposing strict lockdown rules on MacBook Pro workers.

【疑不满「闭环生产」防疫太严】
【广达上海厂惊传员工「暴动」】
刚局部复工的上海广达子公司上海达丰电子周四（5日）晚发生员工「暴动」。影片所见，数百名年轻员工不听指挥，纷纷跳过门口闸门跑开，集体冲出封锁线与警卫发生冲突。据悉员工因不满疫情防控，欲外出购买民生物资。 pic.twitter.com/3GpeBjHqG3

— 自由亚洲电台 (@RFA_Chinese) May 6, 2022

The video footage comes at a time when most countries are leaving no stone unturned in a bid to co-exist with COVID-19. The Chinese government, on the other hand, appears to be trying to completely eradicate the deadly pathogen from the country. As part of its plan, it doesn't shy away from imposing strict lockdowns even in cities with few cases. To recall, the government applied a lockdown in Zhengzhou. For those who are unaware, Zhengzhou is dubbed the iPhone City since the world's largest iPhone plant is located here. However, it permits “‘closed-loop” production processes so that production plants do not end up closing down.

MacBook Pro Workers Defy Chinese Government's Lockdown Rules

As far as the workers are concerned, they have to live in on-site dormitories. Regrettably, they aren't allowed to enter or leave the production plant at least for a month. By adopting this approach, Apple was hoping to fortify the production of the iPhone 14. So, the company would end up hiring workers even before it needs them. However, it suspended the plan. Last month, Apple was prepping to launch a flagship store in Wuhan. However, since the town is infamous for allegedly being the origin of coronavirus, it is unclear if this plan will come to fruition.

According to a report by Taiwan’s Economic Daily, MacBook Pro workers are climbing over barriers that would ideally keep them inside the plant. Moreover, the report suggests that hundreds of workers began opposing restrictions on them resting in their dormitories. Bloomberg deems the protest as a serious challenge to the containment policy of the Chinese government. People in Shanghai have been subject to grievous and seemingly never-ending lockdowns lately. As expected, they are expressing frustration over the containment policy.

Apple MacBook Pro Delay Could Be On The Cards

Nevertheless, China hasn't seen such direct rebellion since it has harsh punishments for people who refuse to follow government rules.

The situation is alarming as far as the workers are concerned. Likewise, this also spells bad news for those waiting with bated breath for the MacBook Pro deliveries. As per Economic Daily, the plant in Quanta is currently operating at about 30 percent capacity amid the protest. Moreover, it is highly unlikely to achieve more than 50 percent even after the disruption calms down. So, the MacBook Pro orders could see further lengthen delays. Earlier this week, emails from Apple, stated that their February orders will not ship anytime soon. Also, some consumers claim Apple isn't expecting to deliver the product until July.