Trade unions must represent workers, not local authorities

THE ALL-CHINA FEDERATION OF TRADE UNIONS recently published 10 cases of companies violating workers' rights. It especially criticized Foxconn, the largest device manufacturer in the world and one of the main iPhone and iPad manufacturers, for "arranging extra hours for workers" over long periods, which resulted in psychological problems, even suicides. Comments:

The Labor Law has been revised several times and every time the protection of workers' rights is strengthened. However, many local authorities tend to take the side of companies that pay large amounts of tax, and turn a blind eye when the companies demand additional hours from their workers against their will. That's why violation of workers' rights has become so rampant. We expect the situation to improve with the realization of the rule of law.

Beijing Youth Daily, Feb 4