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Multinational corporations, global civil society and Chinese labour: Workers’ solidarity in China in the era of globalization

Author

Listed:
  • Joseph Yu-shek Cheng

    (City University of Hong Kong)

  • King-lun Ngok

    (Sun Yat-sen University, China)

  • Yan Huang

    (South China Normal University)

Abstract

The evolution of international production chains has facilitated the flow of industrial capital from developed countries into China. Multinational corporations in China apparently make huge profits through exploiting cheap labour, but they also exert pressure on their contractors to improve workers’ rights. International non-governmental organizations enter into the relationship with their moral force and global networks. The authority of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions was challenged, and new channels were offered in fighting for workers’ rights. But within the existing Chinese political system and labour-market system, their roles all remain limited; the protection and promotion of workers’ rights in China still demand a reform of the prevalent systems.

Suggested Citation

  • Joseph Yu-shek Cheng & King-lun Ngok & Yan Huang, 2012. "Multinational corporations, global civil society and Chinese labour: Workers’ solidarity in China in the era of globalization," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 33(3), pages 379-401, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ecoind:v:33:y:2012:i:3:p:379-401
    DOI: 10.1177/0143831X11411325
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Gordon White, 1996. "Chinese Trade Unions in the Transition from Socialism: Towards Corporatism or Civil Society?," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 34(3), pages 433-457, September.
    2. Jonathan Morris & Jackie Sheehan & John Hassard, 2001. "From Dependency to Defiance? Work‐Unit Relationships in China’s State Enterprise Reforms," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 38(5), pages 697-717, July.
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    Cited by:

    1. Anjel Errasti, 2015. "Mondragon’s Chinese subsidiaries: Coopitalist multinationals in practice," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 36(3), pages 479-499, August.

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