From The New York Times:
China is planning to adopt a new law that seeks to crack down on sweatshops and protect workers’ rights by giving labor unions (Â∑•‰ºöÔºâreal power for the first time since it introduced market forces in the 1980’s.
The move, which underscores the government’s growing concern about the widening income gap and threats of social unrest, is setting off a battle with American and other foreign corporations that have lobbied against it by hinting that they may build fewer factories here.
The proposed rules are being considered after the Chinese Communist Party endorsed a new doctrine that will put greater emphasis on tackling the severe side effects of the country’s remarkable growth. [Full Text]
(Photo of Liu Cheng, a professor who is advising the government, says the new law will hold companies accountable.)
Listen to a radio report of “Labor Unions — the China way” from the Market Place , explaining the differences between American and Chinese unions.
Another report of “Wal-Mart approves unions in China” from BBC
