Worker protests and strikes have surged in China’s manufacturing sector as slowing demand and supply chain changes exert pressure on the country’s factories. Social media platforms, including the Chinese version of TikTok, Douyin, have become avenues for workers to share their grievances, showcasing videos of protests and demonstrating the challenges faced by blue-collar employees.
Unprecedented Surge in Protests
The China Labour Bulletin (CLB), a non-profit organization advocating for workers’ rights, has compiled a “Strike Map” showcasing worker protests across mainland China. The map highlights the reasons for the protests, the number of participants, and social media evidence. Worker strikes have increased substantially in 2023, with 741 cases recorded in the first half of the year, surpassing the total for the entire year of 2022. CLB projects this number could reach at least 1,300 by year-end.
Manufacturing Sector Under Pressure
The manufacturing sector has become a significant driver behind this surge in protests. Factory shutdowns and relocations in China’s coastal regions, particularly in Guangdong province, have contributed to the rise in protests. The manufacturing sector, especially electronics and garment factories, has been hit hard. Electronics factories witnessed 66 protests, while garment and apparel factories experienced 38 protests in the first six months of the year.
Global Factors Amplify Challenges
The decline in China’s exports by 14.5% and imports by 12.4% in July compared to the previous year has amplified economic challenges. Cooling global demand, the lasting impact of the pandemic on consumer spending, and shifting supply chains are collectively affecting China’s manufacturing sector. The pandemic-related lockdowns and reduced consumer spending in the U.S. and Europe have compounded these challenges.
Unresponsive Worker Unions
Despite the presence of worker unions, their effectiveness in protecting workers’ rights and addressing grievances has been called into question. Local worker unions have often been perceived as more inclined to quell protests than to advocate for workers’ interests. As a result, many workers have resorted to strikes as a more effective means of drawing attention to their plight.
Implications and Future Outlook
The surge in worker protests sheds light on the complexities and challenges faced by China’s manufacturing sector. As economic pressures mount, factories’ delayed wage payments and workers’ social security concerns have triggered a wave of unrest. The evolving dynamics of global demand, supply chain shifts, and the lingering effects of the pandemic continue to shape the manufacturing landscape in China. Worker protests serve as a powerful reminder of the urgent need for effective mechanisms to address workers’ grievances and ensure their rights are protected.
