Walkout at Cellphone Factory

Several Somalis working in a cellphone refurbishment factory walked out last week, claiming discrimination and religious persecution. The Minnesota, USA based firm, Teleplan Wireless Co. has issued a statement denying the claims of discrimination.

The problems apparently started when the company employed several white people on permanent contracts as opposed to converting existing staff who had worked for the firm for several years from temporary contracts to permanent. Having a permanent contract entitles the staff to higher wages and health benefits.

Approximately 10% of the "first shift" at the factory are Somali, with 80% of the second night shift being Somali. The site has about 700 employees.

The company has released a statement saying "the door is still open" to workers who want to return. However, like any business serving customers, it continued, "we will have to begin to replace workers who choose not to come back."

Posted to the site on 1st November 2004