Business
Congo Questions Apple Over Knowledge Of Conflict Minerals In Its Supply Chain
The location is Cape Town, South Africa. The Congolese government is interrogating Apple on the tech company’s awareness of “blood minerals” originating from a conflict zone in the African nation. These minerals have the potential to be illicitly incorporated into Apple’s supply chains. The government has set a deadline of three weeks for Apple to provide satisfactory responses.
A consortium of global legal practitioners representing the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has recently dispatched correspondences to Apple’s Chief Executive Officer, Tim Cook, and its French subsidiary. The purpose of these letters is to express apprehensions regarding the infringement of human rights associated with the extraction of minerals from the volatile eastern region of the DRC, which could potentially find their way into Apple’s merchandise.
Congo Questions Apple Over Knowledge Of Conflict Minerals In Its Supply Chain
The list of questions demanded that Apple demonstrate its monitoring practices in a territory where over 100 armed rebel factions are active, some of whom have been accused of committing large-scale massacres of people.
In their correspondence to Cook, the attorneys assert that Apple has consistently marketed and sold technological products that are manufactured using minerals obtained from a location where the local population is enduring severe human rights abuses, a fact that has become evident over time.
The lawyers stated that the supply networks used by Apple to sell iPhones, Mac computers, and accessories to clients worldwide are too opaque and contaminated with the blood of the Congolese people.
Eastern Congo is renowned for its abundant mineral resources, making it one of the most geologically prosperous areas globally. However, it is also plagued by a colossal humanitarian catastrophe. Armed factions have been engaged in prolonged conflicts to dominate the mines and exploit the lucrative minerals within. Consequently, millions of individuals have been uprooted and adversely impacted by the escalating violence. The situation has significantly worsened in recent months.
With a market capitalization of over $2.6 trillion, Apple has refuted allegations of sourcing minerals from mines and locations associated with human rights abuses. The company asserts that it runs its business ethically and responsibly and procures minerals from Congo and surrounding nations.
According to the company, the minerals it purchases do not provide financial support to conflict or armed groups. The attorneys for the Congo government stated that the assertions do not seem to be grounded in tangible, corroborated proof.
The Congolese government has expressed concerns regarding the potential smuggling of tin, tungsten, tantalum, and gold, collectively referred to as the 3TG essential minerals, sourced by Apple from vendors. It is suspected that these minerals may be illicitly transported from Congo to Rwanda and thereafter integrated into the global supply chain. 3TG minerals play a crucial role in the composition of electronic devices.
Apple referred to a specific part in their business filing on conflict minerals when asked for a remark.
Congo Questions Apple Over Knowledge Of Conflict Minerals In Its Supply Chain
The report said that after doing a lot of research, looking at data from third-party audit programs, upstream traceability programs, and our suppliers, we have found no proof that any of the 3TG smelters or refiners in our supply chain as of December 31, 2023, helped armed groups in the Democratic Republic of the Congo or any neighboring country by giving them money or other things of value.
“Illegal mining in Congo has caused fatalities for three decades,” stated Patrick Muyaya, spokesperson for the Congolese government. “We seek clarification regarding the supply sources of major technology companies, specifically Apple, to ascertain whether they are obtaining minerals that are produced under entirely illegal conditions.”
According to him, Rwanda is portrayed as the primary source of several minerals, although having little reserves of its own.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has alleged that Rwanda is providing financial support and strategic guidance to the infamous armed rebel faction known as M23 in the eastern region of Congo, with the aim of facilitating the illicit extraction of minerals. The United Nations has also asserted that M23 receives support from Rwanda.
Rwanda refutes these claims. Nonetheless, there is a growing escalation of hostilities between the countries. Human Rights Watch has accused M23 and other factions of frequently perpetrating attacks, which involve the murder and sexual assault of people.
The attorneys representing the government of Congo cited a 2022 study from the nonprofit organization Global Witness, which alleged that Apple had implemented insufficient controls to prevent the use of illicitly obtained minerals.
Congo Questions Apple Over Knowledge Of Conflict Minerals In Its Supply Chain
The lawyers stated that the Congo government is currently pursuing “effective redress” against individuals or entities who exploit blood minerals worldwide.
The request was made to Apple to provide a response to inquiries regarding its supply chain controls within a period of three weeks. Additionally, it was mentioned that a report on the illicit trade of minerals from Congo by Rwanda and private entities has been compiled and will be released to the public this month.
The letter stated that they will also consult the Congo government for guidance on the legal actions they are contemplating against Apple.
SOURCE – (AP)
Business
Sonic the Hedgehog Dominates Christmas Wish Lists
Sonic the Hedgehog is dominating Christmas wish lists this year. The lovable blue hedgehog is back in the spotlight, from sonic the hedgehog toys and games to sonic the hedgehog coloring pages and movie hype.
Sonic-themed holiday merchandise is on fire, from quirky sweaters to action figures flying off shelves. Sonic the Hedgehog Christmas outfits for kids are selling out fast, making them a go-to gift option for festive fun.
Retailers have been quick to recognize Sonic’s holiday appeal. Special promotions and exclusive items, like the Sonic holiday t-shirts, are everywhere.
Everyone’s stocking up on Sonic merchandise, from big-box stores to boutique retailers.
Online shopping platforms are seeing a surge in searches for Sonic items. Whether it’s Sonic Christmas-themed tops or Sonic the Hedgehog coloring pages, Sonic the Hedgehog toys or Sonic and the Hedgehog 3, the demand is skyrocketing.
Retailers who tap into this trend are sure to see strong holiday sales.
Sonic has been around since the early 90s, but his popularity never wanes. With the release of Sonic 3, fans are more excited than ever.
Sonic the Hedgehog 4
Meanwhile, Paramount Pictures is preparing “Sonic the Hedgehog 4,” with the newest addition in the family-friendly genre set for a spring 2027 release.
The announcement comes as “Sonic 3” opens in theatres on Friday, estimated to gross $55 million to $60 million from 3,800 North American locations.
The sequel is shaping up to be a good holiday season blockbuster for Paramount, which explains the desire in future “Sonic” adventures. On the international front, the film will be released on Christmas Day in 52 markets.
On Rotten Tomatoes, critics gave “Sonic 3” an outstanding 87% fresh score.
The first two films grossed a total of $725.2 million at the global box office and generated over $180 million in global consumer expenditure through home entertainment rentals and digital purchases.
They also inspired a spinoff Paramount+ series, “Knuckles,” which premiered earlier this year.
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Business
Amazon Strike Called By Teamsters Union 10,000 Walkout
An Amazon strike has hit facilities in the United States in an effort by the Teamsters union to pressure the corporation for a labour agreement during a peak shopping season.
The Teamsters union told the Associated Press that Amazon delivery drivers at seven facilities in the United States walked off the job on Thursday after the firm failed to discuss a labour contract.
According to the union, Amazon employees in Teamsters union jackets were protesting at “hundreds” of additional Amazon facilities, which the union billed as the “largest strike” in US history involving the company.
The corporation, which employs over 800,000 people in its US delivery network, stated that its services will be unaffected.
It was unclear how many people, including members of Germany’s United Services Union, participated in Thursday’s demonstration. The Teamsters union reported that thousands of Amazon employees were implicated in the United States.
Amazon Strike at 10 Locations
Overall, the group claims to represent “nearly 10,000” Amazon strikers, having signed up thousands of people at roughly ten locations across the country, many of whom have joined in recent months.
The organization has claimed recognition from Amazon going on strike, claiming the firm illegally neglected its obligation to bargain collectively over salary and working conditions.
The Teamsters is a long-standing US union with nearly one million members. It is well-known for securing lucrative contracts for its members at companies like delivery behemoth UPS.
Most of the Teamsters’ Amazon campaigns have concerned drivers working for third-party delivery companies that partner with the tech behemoth.
Amazon denies that it is liable as an employer in those circumstances, which is a point of legal contention. In at least one case, labour officials have taken a preliminary stance in favour of the union.
Stalled Contract Negotiations
Amazon employees at a major warehouse on Staten Island in New York have also chosen to join the Teamsters. Their warehouse is the only Amazon facility in the United States where labour officials have formally recognized a union win.
However, the Amazon strike is because contract negotiations have not progressed since the 2022 vote. It was not one of the areas scheduled to go on strike on Thursday.
Amazon, one of the largest employers in the United States, has long received criticism for its working conditions and has been the target of activists seeking to gain traction among its employees.
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Business
Amazon Encounters Numerous Strikes As Unions Aim At The Holiday Shopping Surge.
(VOR News) – Thousands of Amazon employees at various sites across the country were scheduled to go on strike on Thursday in an effort by the Teamsters union to pressure the retail behemoth to acknowledge its unionised workers in the United States.
The walkout is expected to concentrate on seven Amazon locations across the country during the holiday purchasing surge and may be the most significant union action against Amazon in the nation’s history.
The business announced on Thursday morning that there had been no effect on operations. It also stated that it is “continuing to concentrate on fulfilling customers’ holiday orders.”
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters maintains that it represents more than 10,000 Amazon employees and contractors in aviation centres, warehouses, and delivery centres.
Amazon has refused to acknowledge the union for many years.
The retail giant, which employs approximately 1.5 million individuals, excludes contractors and part-timers. A strike has been initiated by delivery couriers and warehouse employees at seven distinct locations in order to exert pressure on the company to negotiate a collective bargaining agreement that would encompass modifications to compensation, amenities, and working conditions.
Picketing was intended for New York, Atlanta, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Skokie, Illinois.
Also, the Teamsters assert that they are establishing picket lines at “hundreds” of additional warehouses and delivery centres by encouraging non-unionized workers to picket under U.S. labour law, which protects workers’ ability to take collective action to further their interests.
“Amazon workers are exercising their power,” Randy Korgan stated to NPR.
“They now realise there is a pathway to take on a corporate giant like this – and that they hold the power.” Amazon responds by accusing the Teamsters of fabricating information regarding the strikes, asserting that the participants are “entirely” outsiders rather than employees or subcontractors of the corporation.
Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel stated that “the reality is that they were unable to secure sufficient support from our employees and partners and have invited external parties to harass and intimidate our team.” For more than a year, the Teamsters have been intentionally misleading the public by claiming to represent “thousands of employees and drivers.” They do not.
The Teamsters did not provide a specific duration for the strike; however, they informed NPR that it would extend beyond one day. Workers would receive $1,000 per week in strike money, as per the union.
Teamsters President Sean O’Brien issued a statement in which he stated, “If your package is delayed during the holidays, you can attribute it to Amazon’s insatiable greed.” We established a firm deadline for Amazon to attend the meeting and treat our members equitably. They disregarded it.
The Teamsters granted until December 15 to convene with its unionised employees and develop a collective bargaining agreement.
Amazon has opposed all unionisation efforts in court, asserting that unions were not advantageous to its employees and emphasising the compensation and benefits that the organisation currently provides.
Amazon has been accused of discriminatory labour practices on numerous occasions, including the termination of labour organisers. Furthermore, it has disputed its official status as a contract employer.
Teamsters organize Amazon delivery couriers and other employees.
In June, Amazon established its first unionised warehouse in Staten Island, New York, two years after making history by voting to join the fledgling Amazon Labour Union, which is also affiliated with the Teamsters.
The union is one of the most influential in the United States and Canada, with 1.3 million members. On Thursday, the German United Services Union declared that Amazon employees in Germany would participate in a strike in conjunction with their American counterparts.
In the past, Amazon has experienced demonstrations in Germany and Spain that were related to the holiday season in order to advocate for improved wages and working conditions.
“The holiday season has arrived.” Delivery is anticipated. Patricia Campos-Medina, the executive director of Cornell University’s Worker Institute, asserts that “this is the moment in which workers have control over the supply chain.”
The Teamsters have reported that Amazon’s profits have increased both during and after the pandemic. The corporation is currently valued at over $2.3 trillion, with net income of $15 billion in the most recent quarter alone. It is the second-largest private employer in the United States, following Walmart.
SOURCE: NPR
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