Multinational corporations, global civil society and Chinese labour: Workers' solidarity in China in the era of globalization

The evolution of international production chains has facilitated the flow of industrial capital from developed countries into China. Multinational corporations in China apparently make huge profits through exploiting cheap labour, but they also exert pressure on their contractors to improve workers' rights. International non-governmental organizations enter into the relationship with their moral force and global networks. The authority of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions was challenged, and new channels were offered in fighting for workers' rights. But within the existing Chinese political system and labour-market system, their roles all remain limited; the protection and promotion of workers' rights in China still demand a reform of the prevalent systems. © The Author(s) 2011.