Our 10 most recent articles.
China’s economic recovery shows stark regional differences
The provinces most severely affected by the coronavirus pandemic, as well as most major cities in China, all saw negative economic growth in the first half of the year, according to official data on the gross domestic product (GDP) of individual provinces released last week.
05 August 2020
China’s workers pay the price for growing global demand for face masks
As we reported in last month’s newsletter, the demand for face masks in China dropped off dramatically once the coronavirus outbreak was determined to be brought under control, leading to mass layoffs and wage arrears at unprofitable factories.
04 August 2020
China’s mask production goes from boom to bust leaving workers out of a job
CLB’s Strike Map has recorded nine strikes and protests related to closures and wage arrears at nine different mask factories since the beginning of May
06 July 2020
White collar workers face wage cuts and layoffs in wake of pandemic
One in three white collar workers have been laid off since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic in China, according to a new survey by online recruitment agency Zhaopin. In addition, the majority of white-collar workers have experienced pay cuts, salary cancellations or delays in payment.
24 June 2020
A trade union in lockdown
As life in the central city of Wuhan gradually returns to normal, CLB investigates the role of the trade unions during the city’s 76-day lockdown.
04 May 2020
Workers’ struggles echo around the world as pandemic spreads
On May Day this year, we highlight the struggle of workers in China and around the world to protect their health and livelihood during the coronavirus pandemic
01 May 2020
China’s unemployment rate eases slightly in March to 5.9 percent
China’s urban unemployment rate eased slightly in March, declining by 0.3 percentage points to 5.9 percent from a high of 6.2 percent in February, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) announced today.
17 April 2020
Taxi driver protests continue despite government relief measures
As China gradually resumes normal economic activity, the country's 2.6 million taxi drivers are still reeling from the devastating economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
15 April 2020
Foreign teachers in China struggle to get paid
China Labour Bulletin is frequently contacted by foreign teachers in China who are owed wages in arrears. While CLB cannot get directly involved in these cases, we have outlined some steps below that foreign teachers might take to protect their rights.
07 April 2020
How have China’s trade unions responded to the coronavirus crisis?
The global coronavirus pandemic has presented huge challenges to trade unions around the world. How has the All-China Federation of Trade Unions (ACFTU) measured up? What steps have local trade union officials taken to protect the health, economic interests and legal rights of workers in their districts? In February and March, CLB staff telephoned trade union officials in six Chinese cities to find out.
07 April 2020