Monday, March 28, 2016

China on strike- Erin O'Day

Labor revolts have been shaking the country of China for a long time now, but the number of strikes are increasing as workers protest unfair wages, poor treatment by employers, and the lack of enforcement of much needed labor laws. The labor movement is affecting every province of China. In some cases, the protests turn violent. But fortunately, in many places, progress is being achieved. On the other hand, many union leaders are greedy and manipulative, only interested in keeping their positions of power and not helping the laborers. Most of them have never actually worked in a factory, and union members are becoming increasingly frustrated with them. Now, the government deliberates whether to give into these demands by amending labor laws, or instead mass-firing millions of protesting workers. Authorities are afraid that these pockets of protesters across the country will organize and stage a nationwide revolt.

The labor problems facing China today are sad and troubling. Hopefully the government will listen to what the people are saying and help them instead of hurt them more. But America has been there, when back in the early 20th century, labor unions and striking grew, and soon the government had to listen because it was getting out of control. But the unions' efforts led to new labor laws and standards and improved working conditions and wages for many.

http://www.cnn.com/2016/03/28/asia/china-strike-worker-protest-trade-union/index.html

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