Is the Era of State Sanctioned Unions Coming to an End in China?

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.laborradio.org/node/13686

Submitted by Jesse Russell on June 13, 2010 - 9:36pm
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The era of state-sanctioned labor unions in China could be coming to an end. On Friday, civil unrest continued in the country as 500 workers went on strike at a Honda factory. It is a scene that has been repeated through out the rising International power over the last month. The demands being made by the workers include better pay and independent unions. On Wednesday nearly 1,700 workers walked off the job at a factory that makes locks for Honda. On Friday they marched through the streets, this time also demanding the right to elect their own union representatives. In a sign that the unrest is spreading, Honda isn’t the only company that has seen walk outs. In other areas three Taiwanese companies – a rubber factory, computer parts maker, and a sporting goods plant – all saw workers walk off the job. Due to China’s media, much like the country’s union, being state run, it is difficult to get accurate reports as to just how widespread the protests are.

[David__77]

1. I have another prediction: ACFTU will coopt this movement.

Chinese workers want a raise, and they'll get it, and with government support. There is a lot of room to maneuver on the part of a government with a tremendous reserve of wealth. This is no Poland circa 1980.