Our 10 latest relevant articles.
Letter from the Editors
This month, SOMO (Centre for Research on Multinational Corporations) and China Labour Bulletin (CLB) published a report about Chinese workers' struggles amid global supply chain shifts and the need for responsible business practi
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
UAW president leading a march in the 2023 strike and collective bargaining.
28 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
CLB analyses the post-Covid changes in China’s manufacturing industry from a workers’ rights perspective, describes our data collection and case investigation methodology, and introduces how we have begun to interact with stakeholders along the supply chain through this approach. Finally, we provide recommendations for suppliers, brands, and members of civil society to join in our approach, with the goal of collaborating for improved global supply chain practices.
15 April 2024