Worker Rights
The following Chinese text was retrieved on December 1, 2016, from the website of the National People's Congress.
Refer to this page for the prior version of the PRC Labor Contract Law, passed on December 28, 2012, and effective on July 1, 2013.
Following the death of labor advocate and 1989 Tiananmen protester Li Wangyang in June 2012, Chinese authorities have employed a range of coercive measures to intimidate and silence family members and supporters of Li who have questioned the circumstances of his death and called for an investigation into his case. Beginning in June 2012, the Commission observed various reports of security officials placing restrictions on family members and supporters of Li that some have characterized as a "crackdown" and "punishment" for raising suspicions about the circumstances of his death (Guardian, 17 August 12; South China Morning Post (SCMP), 20 June 12).
Conflicting Accounts of Labor Improvements at Foxconn
Transcript (PDF) (Text)
In recent months, several reports have been released regarding working conditions in Chinese factories that manufacture products popular in the United States—laptops, iPhones, iPads, cordless phones. These reports document excessive overtime, crowded and unsafe working and living conditions, underage workers, and unpaid wages.
Demonstrations Emerge in Late 2011 and Early 2012
Amended Law Contains Provisions That Could Help Workers Receive Compensation
Provisions Require Medium and Large Enterprises To Establish Labor Dispute Mediation Committees, Outline Limited Worker Rights Protections