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Overseas firms boost number of trade unions
By Xiao Chen (China Daily)
Updated: 2006-02-17 08:43
SHANGHAI: Overseas-funded ventures in the city are hosting an increasing
number of trade unions and the trend is expected to continue, according to
experts.
About 6,209, or 32 per cent, of the 19,600 companies funded from overseas in
Shanghai had set up unions by the end of last year.
Among these, 1,479 unions were established in 2005 alone, according to Liu
Weixin, deputy chief of the organization department of Shanghai Municipal Trade
Union Council (SMTUC).
He predicted the growth this year to be equally strong.
"More overseas investors have begun to understand the nature of Chinese trade
unions, which will be a win-win situation for both employees and employers," Liu
said.
He added that for a long time, many overseas investors did not quite
understand Chinese trade unions, which can differ from those in their home
countries.
While unions in China and abroad have the same goals in protecting the rights
and interest of employees, Chinese unions advocate common development for both
workers and companies.
"Their purpose is not to intensify labour disputes, but to stabilize and
smooth the labour relationship," Liu said.
He cited examples of unions helping defend the rights of workers in some
local ventures in wages and labour contracts, but said many activities were
aimed at helping both the employees and employers.
According to Liu, many unions invite proposals from workers to improve work
efficiency. They arrange skill contests to help improve the performance of
workers. Safety checks and education programmes conducted by unions help protect
workers and also help reduce possible losses for employers.
The SMTUC and its branches have stepped up publicity among overseas-funded
ventures since last year.
The Shanghai Municipal Foreign Investment Commission, the government overseer
of foreign investment, has also promoted trade unions.
Liu said the annual nationwide check of trade unions by delegations from the
National People's Congress has greatly helped their work.
Portman Ritz Carlton, a five-star hotel in the city, was one of the latest to
establish a trade union about one month ago after many years without one.
"I am very pleased to see the establishment of the union in the hotel, and
the management will support the union in carrying out its work," said Grippo
Ralph, general manager of the hotel, as quoted on the SMTUC website from the
hotel union's first meeting.
But Liu also admitted that there are overseas companies that are less
supportive of unions.
SMTUC is talking to companies like Wal-Mart about union issues. The US
retailing giant and a number of other overseas-funded companies have reportedly
been singled out by National People's Congress leaders for resisting trade
unions.
Trade unions, which are set up voluntarily by employees, are protected under
China's Trade Union Law.
(China Daily 02/17/2006 page3)
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