Working Conditions and Worker Rights in China: Recent Developments
Transcript (PDF) (Text)
In recent months, several reports have been released regarding working conditions in Chinese factories that manufacture products popular in the United States—laptops, iPhones, iPads, cordless phones. These reports document excessive overtime, crowded and unsafe working and living conditions, underage workers, and unpaid wages. They note that Chinese workers do not have the right to organize into independent unions, and that the state-controlled union does little to represent them. Meanwhile, China has enacted laws in recent years intended to address worker issues, and the state-controlled union has pledged to better represent workers.
The hearing's witnesses discussed the prevalence of harsh working conditions in Chinese factories in places like Shenzhen and Shanghai, assessed implementation of China's labor laws, and examined the roles the Chinese government, China's state-controlled union, Chinese NGOs, and private companies, including multinationals, play in addressing worker rights and labor reforms. Witnesses also provided recommendations for U.S. policy on worker rights in China.
For related Commission analysis, please see "NGOs Report Harsh Conditions at Chinese Factories Making Popular Electronics."
This hearing was webcast.
Opening Statements
Representative Christopher H. Smith, Chairman
Senator Sherrod Brown, Cochairman
Witnesses
Panel 1
Mr. Charles Kernaghan, Executive Director, Institute for Global Labour and Human Rights
Mr. Li Qiang, Executive Director and Founder, China Labor Watch
Mr. Harry Wu, Founder and Executive Director, Laogai Research Foundation and Laogai Museum
Panel 2
Ms. Thea Lee, Deputy Chief of Staff, AFL-CIO
Dr. Mary Gallagher, Associate Professor of Political Science and Director, Center for Chinese Studies, University of Michigan
Mr. Earl Brown, Labor and Employment Law Counsel and China Program Director, Solidarity Center, AFL-CIO