Agitation in China

    There has been an on-going debate in the U.S. about how to engage the only legally sanctioned union in China, the All China Federation of Trade Union (ACFTU). Some believe it is simply a mouthpiece for the government and not a real union. Others argue that at the local and regional level, many ACFTU leaders and activists actually agitate for workers' rights.

    In to this discussion, I'd toss in this article from today's Wall Street Journal:

China's main trade union stepped up the pressure on McDonald's Corp. and Yum Brands Inc., accusing the fast-food giants of violating labor laws by underpaying part-time workers in the southern city of Guangzhou.

The All China Federation of Trade Union's accusation doesn't carry the weight of an official decision, but the group has strong ties to the government. Its comments come amid a broader effort to pressure foreign companies that have resisted unionization in China, and as Beijing puts the final touches on new labor laws that could further empower government-backed unions.

Both McDonald's and Yum, owner of KFC and Pizza Hut, have said the way they pay workers fully complies with Chinese law.

Government officials in Guangzhou began reviewing the treatment of workers last week, after local newspaper New Express -- which placed reporters undercover in the restaurants -- said student employees were being paid less than the city's newly mandated minimum hourly wage. However, under China's national labor law, students aren't covered by minimum-wage requirements and other rules, as they aren't considered part of the formal work force.

    Recall, also, that, as I reported recently, multi-national corporations are doing everything possible to undermine China's new labor laws. So, you'd have to surmise that this is not a black-and-white picture as far as labor organizing goes.

Comments

[John A. Joslin]

Someone should ask the ACFTU brass whether or not they are a real union. Might as well take the word of the front office ! That's the standard drill here , isn't it ?

In either country , There are real activist union members or wannabees agitating for workers' rights .

- All the best to them, John A. Joslin ( * IBEW Local # 58 , Detroit )

* The IBEW does indeed assert they are a "real " union . They have the papers to prove it, I'm told.

[uniter]

let's see now , all the Walmarts in China are Union,last time I checked there were no Walmarts in the US union, hmm.
going after McDonald, now there are a few Mcdonalds in certain airports that are union because they have to be. But no free standing McDonald union that I know of. Now
whether are not this union meets the high standard of the US
unions, is another question, but at least give these guys a break, they are trying. we need more US union s to step up to the plate. as i was once told a bad union is better than no union.

[Stephen Diamond]

This is one of those questsion that answers itself - how did the ACFTU get into Wal Mart? Because the Communist Party/State wanted them there. Why is the real question - most likely because the hard liners in the Chinese state want leverage against the foreign sector and they are not above behaving like sophisticated labor fakers to get that leverage. State control over the Chinese economiy is actually on the increase despite the conventional wisdom and this "labor front" is one of the Chinese state's most important weapons.

[John A. Joslin]

So , it looks like the ACFTU already has the practical equivalent of an " Employee Free Choice Act " when it comes to Wal-Mart employees in China. They're doing something right! Should be an inspiration to labor lobbyists on the D.C. circuit.

There may be differences betwen China's economic system & "ours ", but we are kissing cousins , wouldn't you say? Unbridled capitalism vs. capitalism unchained ... sounds like a WWF title match.

Me, I'm going to pick up a few stock phrases in mangled Mandarin & try to parlay my new language skills into a position as a Wal-mart greeter/associate in a Beijing Wal-Mart. I think that would add a hip , upscale touch to the place, kind of like the sound of a Swedish accent at your local IKEA sweatshop outlet store.

I might also put in a few hours/ day at the "made in USA " in house micro-boutique. I can see maple sugar candy, real California surf boards, & handcrafted sock puppets as being big movers.

O.K. , now I have to practice saying in Chinese:.." Good morning ! Welcome to Wal-Mart, your union friendly source for anything you can imagine! Have you ever tried maple syrup on your steamed dumplings , comrade? "

( uh-oh, time to get back to work ... )