Tim Cook writes to employees over working conditions in China

Tim Cook writes to employees over working conditions in ChinaApple chief executive Tim Cook has written an email to the company employees addressing the recent media reports claiming difficult working conditions for workers working in factories in China, where the new Apple devices are produced in thousands.

Cook addressed the reports that claimed the workers in factories contracted by Apple face long hours and occasionally unsafe conditions.

"As a company and as individuals, we are defined by our values. Unfortunately some people are questioning Apple's values today, and I'd like to address this with you directly," he wrote in the email, which was acquired by technology blog, 9to5mac.

A report in The New York Times had claimed the workers assembling iPhones, iPads and other devices for Apple face harsh conditions and work excessive overtime at factories in China. The repot also said that two explosions killed 4 people and injured 77 last year.

Cook said that the company is concerned about each worker in the worldwide supply claim and added that all accidents are troubling. He pointed out that suggestions that Apple does not care about its employees are offensive to the company.

"We know of no one in our industry doing as much as we are, in as many places, touching as many people. We are attacking problems aggressively with the help of the world's foremost authorities on safety, the environment, and fair labor," he added.