Foxconn is in the middle of a massive hiring spree while dealing with a large number of protesting workers, according to The China Morning News.

More than 20,000 new production jobs will reportedly be added to meet production requirements for the new iPhone. The new hires will be working in a place called Taiyuan in the Shanxi Province of Northern china. The massive increase in manpower is needed to fulfill the 85% of iPhone 5 production orders Foxconn will reported get which equates to an estimated 57 million units per year.

The swift action on Foxconn’s part could be in response to reports of Foxconn employees taking to the streets and protesting over compensation and other workers’ rights. While it is unclear what the precise reason behind the strike is, reports claim the workers haven’t received the full pay raise they were promised ahead of iPhone 5 production.

"An entry-level worker at Foxconn is typically paid 1,550 yuan (US$245) per month, rising to to 1,800 yuan (US$285) per month after three months. When bonuses and overtime pay are included, a worker may typically earn between 2,200 and 3,500 yuan (US$345-$550) a month. "

Cheap labor, poor standard of living, massive corporate profits and shiny gadgets.

We will keep you updated with the strike.

via modmyi