Tim Cook

Apple CEO Tim Cook started his talk today at the Goldman Sachs Technology and Internet Conference in San Francisco addressing concerns over the working conditions at factories in Asia where iPads, iPods and iPhones are made.

“Apple takes working conditions very, very seriously,” said Cook, who took over as CEO of Apple last year. He added that “we care about every work” no matter whether they are based in Europe, Asia or North America.

Cook, who noted that he worked at a paper mill in Alabama and an aluminum plant in West Virginia, said that the use of underage labor is “abhorrent.” And while Cook said that it is extremely rare in the Apple, he said that the company is committed to rooting out the practice.

Cook said the supply chain is complex, but he added that their commitment is very simple: “Every worker has the right to a fair and safe working environment.”

Apple has been under scrutiny for labor conditions at Foxconn factories in Shenzhen and Chengdu, and earlier this week the Fair Labor Association announced plans to conduct audits of the Chinese supply chain.

You can listen to his remarks — which started at about 12:40 p.m. — here.

Follow-upApple boss Tim Cook takes a few cracks at Microsoft and Amazon, says tablets will ‘cannibalize’ PCs

Like what you're reading? Subscribe to GeekWire's free newsletters to catch every headline

Job Listings on GeekWork

Find more jobs on GeekWork. Employers, post a job here.