Will they stay or go?

While workers welcome the prospect of Foxconn relocating operations to their home cities, many already employed at its Shenzhen plant say they are reluctant to move with it.

"Yeah, the rumors are circulating that we'll be moved to inland areas of the country," said Chen Gang, "but I don't want to leave this city."

The 25-year-old, who buys cell phone components for Communication and Network Solution Business Group, a Foxconn's subsidiary, has only worked for the company for six months but has lived in the southern metropolis for more than two years.

"I've adapted well to the lifestyle in this modern city. It's like my second home," said Chen, who originally hails from Jingmen in Hubei province. "If I'm forced to leave Shenzhen, I'll consider looking at other job opportunities at other businesses within Foxconn. Otherwise, I'll just leave."

According to Chen, his department will move to Chongqing, although he did not know when.

Feng Difang, an assembly line worker, said he "can't imagine" the thought of leaving Shenzhen, even if it is to return to his hometown in Hebei.

Much of the reluctance to leave is fueled by the fact Foxconn has increased its workers' pay by about 30 percent, much higher than the minimum set by city government. However, some are more open to change.

"Some of my colleagues intend to move inland," said Chen. "With their salaries at Foxconn and the daily living costs of inland cities, my workmates think they will enjoy easy and comfortable lives in their hometowns, like Chongqing."

Jie Li, who works in the same group as Chen and has been with the company for three years, said he is looking forward to his proposed move to Tianjin next spring.

"I have no problem moving," said the 26-year-old, who comes from Guangyuan in Sichuan and hopes to see his pay raised 20 percent after he relocates. "Colleagues at the age of 30 may not take it as good news because they have family here. My girlfriend may leave me if I go."

Asked if he was worried about his girlfriend's reaction to the news, Jie smiled and said: "Schedules change so fast. Every day I hear a different rumor. It's all just unsettled.

"All we can be sure of is that half of our staff will move (to Tianjin), with more set to go as early as October," he added.

When asked about the suicides that have blighted the company's reputation, very few potential or current Foxconn employees seemed concerned about the intense media coverage the company has received this year.

"It's understandable that there will be pressure working for such a big company," said Henan graduate and job applicant Li Yunxiao. "That won't be a problem for me."