Our 10 latest relevant articles.
Part A: Introduction
In August 2024, China Labour Bulletin (CLB) published the research report Breaking the Mould: Germany’s Supply Chain Act as a New Approach to Global Labour Rights Accountability, The report primarily focused on the labour disputes
18 February 2025
photo credit: Gorodenkoff/ Shutter Stock
29 January 2025
This CLB report examines critical labour rights violations within the Chinese supply chains of multinational companies, with a special focus on German firms accountable under Germany’s pioneering Supply Chain Due Diligence Act. The Act represents a groundbreaking shift in corporate responsibility, setting a new standard for global business practices by requiring companies to identify, assess, and address human rights and environmental risks within their supply chains.
26 August 2024
On April 8, 2024, Yingguan Industrial (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., located in Shenzhen, Guangdong, issued a notice informing workers that it would halt production from April 10 to October 10, while wages would be paid according to labour law during the furlough. On the second day, Yingguan workers gathered in front of the factory to protest against the company's use of furlough to avoid paying legally mandated severance.
09 August 2024
On 26 June 2024, SOMO (Centre for Research on Multinational Corporations) and China Labour Bulletin published a report about Chinese workers' struggles amid global supply chain shifts and the need for responsible business practices. The report emphasises the need for global brands to consider the human rights impact of their sourcing decisions and prioritise the well-being of low-wage workers in their supply chains.
27 June 2024
As Nordd Leather factory closed down suddenly, workers gathered to demand their overdue wages and social insurance fees. Unions at various levels failed to intervene, even when workers had made complaints months ago. Ultimately, the landlord and the Tax Bureau took care of the payment. Leather brands’ cost-cutting strategies possibly suppressed workers’ conditions. Recent Milan court rulings highlight that leather brands should monitor suppliers’ labour conditions; otherwise, they may face legal penalties.
26 June 2024
In late March 2024, the auto parts supplier Chongqing Huguang saw a large number of hourly workers gathering outside the factory gate to protest against the factory's failure to arrange work shifts, which meant that workers could not complete enough working hours to receive the gratuity. Factory security with helmets and restraining poles were seen confronting the workers on online videos.
China Labour Bulletin (CLB) found that Chongqing Huguang's parent company is a supplier of auto OEMs including Volkswagen, Audi and Mercedes-Benz. CLB identified several possible labour violations, regarding its employment practices, excessive working hours, and union’s inaction. German companies in its downstream have a responsibility to conduct due diligence in accordance with the requirements of the German Supply Chain Act.
29 May 2024
The global apparel industry’s contraction has led to widespread protests in China and Southeast Asia. In this article, China Labour Bulletin (CLB) illustrates workers' collective efforts to defend their rights during the 2023 market downturn. CLB argues that international garment brands should be involved in monitoring suppliers' labour practices across vast production networks. Workers and unions need to utilise new due diligence legislation and tools to coordinate and fight against a global challenge.
16 May 2024
In 2023, China Labour Bulletin (CLB) recorded a peak of collective actions in the auto industry since 2015. Intense competition and EV transition hit workers of various companies. Worker grievances include layoffs and lack of severance pay, overdue payments, reduced wages and increased workload. Just transition initiatives by German and US unions are worth learning.
29 April 2024
In 2023, strike cases were recorded in Chinese auto parts factories supplying for German multinationals. Causes include relocations, overdue payments and contaminated food. As the German Supply Chain Act came into force in 2023, the large German auto companies downstream have to ensure their suppliers comply with the human rights and labour rights standards. China Labour Bulletin followed up on a strike case by urging Volkswagen to investigate the potential labour violations, and the communication is ongoing.
18 April 2024