Tensions on Chinese factory floors have been running high recently due to uncertainty surrounding the future of some industries as investors have moved their money to other parts of Asia. In addition, workers have spoken out that they haven’t been receiving their wages. Labor relations are fraught, and protests can potentially threaten social stability says Han Dongfang, founder of the NGO China Labour Bulletin and former Tiananmen activist, based in Hong Kong. He is confident though that the government is looking for a long-term solution and that they appear to be willing to facilitate collective bargaining in the workplace. Long term genuine trade union reform could be a game changer in China, says Han Dongfang.
