Democrats Call on Bush to Support China’s Draft Labor Law

[villager]

Democrats Call on Bush to Support China’s Draft Labor Law

by James Parks, Nov 12, 2006

Twenty-seven House Democrats called on the Bush administration to support China’s new Draft Labor Law Contract. The law, which is being considered by the Chinese government, would put in place some of the core internationally-recognized workers’ rights that are common in many other countries.

For example, the proposed law would require employers to negotiate with a trade union before a mass layoff and give workers severance pay for certain kinds of terminations.

While these reforms, standing alone, would not guarantee the full range of basic workers’ rights, they are a step in the right direction. The letter was spearheaded by Rep. George Miller (D-Calif.), who is poised to become chairman of the House Education and Workforce Committee, and Democratic Reps. Lynn Woolsey (Calif.), Barbara Lee (Calif.) and Barney Frank (Mass.).

Last month, a report by the Boston-based think tank Global Labor Strategies condemned the U.S. business community for making recommendations to the Chinese government that would gut the proposed law. According to the report:
"The obvious motive for such foreign corporations to oppose the law protecting Chinese workers is their fear that it may eliminate the cheap labor costs they now enjoy."

For example, the American Chamber of Commerce People’s Republic of China said in its comments that under the new law, employers “would be inclined to hire fewer people to economize on labor costs.”

Rep. Lee says such comments show that U.S. companies in China do not respect workers’ rights.

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http://blog.aflcio.org/2006/11/12/democrats-call-on-bush-to-support-china%e2%80%99s-draft-labor-law/

[BayCityProgressive]

1. China

has actually been pushing a few progressive bills lately. I think with the Dems in charge life for the average Chinese worker could get better if we stand firm on workers and human rights with China.

[villager]

2. Now to work on t he environment!

And maybe hope they don't dump the dollar, while they're at it...

[MrPrax]

3. Not good...

One of the strongest economic and MORAL args against 'out-sourcing' to places like China is the desperate labour condition.

If China can tout window-dressing like the worthless ILO standards, then it might simply give more courage to businesses to locate there by providing them with a talking point courtesy of the AFL-CIO.

It's business that needs rules; not workers.

[villager]

4. and yet, business is opposing even the window dressing...

...according to the article...