Large-scale Strikes Spread in Southern China

The number of strikes in Southern China has doubled since last year, reaching more than 372 social protests in the year’s last quarter, with 185 in September only. The workers request easier access to property owning and rights to a larger social protection net, especially for migrant workers who are currently almost entirely deprived of social security.

Even though the strikes are sometimes successful as was the case for the Tongxin jewelry factory in Foshan in August 2014, the association China Labor Bulletin based in Hong Kong, predicts that the lack of negotiation channels between workers and employers will maintain a continued state of protest.