QUANZHOU: Employees at the local branch of US retail giant Wal-Mart, which has faced criticism for alleged anti-union activities, have set up the company's first trade union in China.

Thirty Wal-Mart employees established the union in Jinjiang, Quanzhou, in Fujian Province. The union is the first in Wal-Mart's 59 China stores.

Wal-Mart, the world's biggest retailer, entered the Chinese mainland in 1996. Since then it has set up stores in 30 cities, employing at least 20,000 people.

The Jinjiang store opened last November and currently has more than 400 employees.

Ke Yunlong, 29, who works in the store's meat section, has been elected union chairman.

"Besides excitement, I feel responsibility," said Ke. "The union is expected to protect employees' interests and rights, as well as co-ordinate activities with Wal-Mart to make sure the business runs smoothly."

Liu Jiade, 35, who works in the reception department, was another founder-member of the union. Asked why he wanted to join, his explanation was simple to safeguard his interests and rights.

"Before I joined Wal-Mart, I worked for another store, which defaulted on my salary and did not pay me when I quit," said Liu. "From then on, I realized that a single employee's voice isn't loud enough. We can depend on the trade union."

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