Apple pledge likely to boost China wages

Apple pledge likely to boost China wages

BEIJING

Consumers probably won’t have to pay more for iPads, iPhones and other popular consumer electronics despite a Chinese company’s pledge to trim work hours and raise wages for its hardscrabble assembly workers.

The paychecks already have been steadily growing even before this week’s pledge, and labor expenses remain a small portion of the total bill for most gadgets made in China.

At most, the cumulative wage increases could crimp the profits of major technology companies. Manufacturers have a bigger worry in finding ways to save money on the parts that power the devices.

Nonetheless, assembly costs are likely to escalate because of Foxconn Technology Group, which assembles an estimated 40 percent of the world’s electronics, including the hot-selling iPhone and iPad.

Foxconn, owned by Taiwan’s Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., promised to limit hours while keeping total pay the same. That commitment will translate into higher hourly wages.

Feds, 5 states to push for wind farms

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich.

The Obama administration and five states announced an agreement Friday to speed up consideration of plans for offshore wind farms in the Great Lakes, which have been delayed by cost concerns and public opposition.

Under the deal, state and federal agencies will craft a blueprint for speeding regulatory review of proposed wind farms without sacrificing environmental and safety standards. The Great Lakes have no offshore wind turbines, although a Cleveland partnership announced plans last year for a demonstration project that would place five to seven turbines in Lake Erie about 7 miles north of the city, generating 20-30 megawatts of electricity.

Attendants reject US Airways deal

CHARLOTTE, N.C.

The Association of Flight Attendants has voted to reject a tentative deal with US Airways that would have created the employees’ first unified contract since the 2005 merger with America West.

The union said late Friday that 90 percent of the 6,700 flight attendants at US Airways voted, and a reported 75 percent of them voted against the deal.

The vote represents a setback for US Airways, which has been trying to negotiate contracts with both its flight attendants and pilots for years.

Associated Press