Stick-wielding men protest at China iPhone plant

STORY: Since late October, many workers have fled the COVID-hit plant that belongs to the Apple Inc supplier - their escapes captured on social media - as frustration mounted over how infected cases were handled and over the treatment of employees.

Many former workers have spoken of food shortages and rigid quarantine rules, and Foxconn has had to offer incentives including bonuses to retain or lure workers.

Relentless controls and spot lockdowns across China have fueled discontent across the country, hitting economic growth and escalating concerns over global supply chains as companies grapple to keep factories running as staff become infected.