Chinese labour activists come under greater attack

While by historical standards the level of independent workers organising in China is low, the reality is that a new generation of labour activist is emerging that is more confident, assertive and organised then before. Not only are the frequency of strikes increasing, but workers are fighting for better collective bargaining power and more representative unions. Workers employed at the Wal-mart Corporation are the latest group of workers taking on the official union representatives in an attempt to establish stronger and more accountable union structures. As expected, the government is starting to crack down on these labour activists as seen by the recent arrests of Zeng Feiyang, and Zhu Xiaomei, in Guangzhou province. A solidarity rally was held in Hong Kong calling on their release while an international campaign is also developing.

While by historical standards the level of independent workers organising in China is low, the reality is that a new generation of labour activist is emerging that is more confident, assertive and organised then before. Not only are the frequency of strikes increasing, but workers are fighting for better collective bargaining power and more representative unions. Workers employed at the Wal-mart Corporation are the latest group of workers taking on the official union representatives in an attempt to establish stronger and more accountable union structures. As expected, the government is starting to crack down on these labour activists as seen by the recent arrests of Zeng Feiyang, and Zhu Xiaomei, in Guangzhou province. A solidarity rally was held in Hong Kong calling on their release while an international campaign is also developing.