Our 10 most recent articles.
Wage arrears threaten the livelihoods of China’s workers
This year, strikes by couriers on China’s 11 November online shopping day reached a record of 136, compared to just 31 in 2020. During the pandemic, delivery companies have resorted to undercutting their competition with lower prices, leading to workers being paid less than 1 yuan per delivery in some areas. With price wars likely to continue, robust safeguards need to be in place and adequately enforced to ensure that couriers do not keep losing out.
09 December 2021
After Evergrande, Baoneng Group’s collapse threatens the livelihoods of China’s workforce
Like Evergrande, Baoneng’s debt problems have developed into a crisis that affects the livelihoods of many workers
01 November 2021
China’s social security system
Every employee in China is supposed to have a pension, medical and unemployment insurance, and a range of other welfare benefits. In reality, the system has largely failed to provide workers, and rural migrant workers in particular, with the social security they need and are legally entitled to.
18 August 2021
Global brands neglect their responsibilities as pandemic ravages Myanmar garment factories
Despite the surge in Covid-19 cases, garment factories are still operating and forcing workers to continue production as usual without complying with the pandemic guidelines Covid 19 guidelines agreed between brands, trade unions and suppliers.
02 August 2021
Migrant workers and their children
There are an estimated 286 million rural migrant workers in China, comprising more than one-third of the entire working population. They have been the engine of China’s spectacular economic growth over the last three decades but remain marginalized, and their children have limited access to education and healthcare.
04 May 2021
China proposes shakeup of urban workers’ medical insurance scheme
China’s government has quietly announced the first major reform of the state-backed medical insurance scheme for urban workers in 22 years.
23 September 2020
Employment and Wages
Job creation and higher living standards have long been key objectives for the Chinese government. However, millions of workers in traditional industries are being laid off and many of the new jobs being created are insecure and poorly paid.
15 September 2020
Workplace discrimination
Discrimination in the workplace on the basis of gender, age, social origin, health, ethnicity etc. is endemic and still widely tolerated in in China. Over the last decade, the Chinese government has sought to provide employees with greater legal protection against discrimination but these laws remain deficient in administration, effectiveness, and coverage.
07 July 2020
Work safety
China is undeniably a safer place to work than it was a decade ago. However, accident rates, death tolls and the incidence of occupational disease are all still comparatively high. New work hazards have emerged as the economy develops, and many employers continue to prioritise productivity and profit well above work safety.
12 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