Labour protests in China have increased rapidly since August of last year, according to rights groups, especially in the lead-up to the Lunar New Year, which began late last week. Labour protests more than tripled in the fourth quarter of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022, suggesting a growing wave of discontent among Chinese workers. Analysts attribute this unrest to poor working conditions and China’s ongoing economic challenges, which have exacerbated labor issues. The rise in worker protests is a significant indication of the deepening economic struggles faced by many in the country, with numerous factors contributing to the mounting discontent among the workforce.
According to data collected by international rights group Freedom House’s China Dissent Monitor, there were 777 labour protests in China between September and December 2023, a sharp increase from 245 protests in the same period of 2022. Meanwhile, the Hong Kong-based China Labour Bulletin recorded an additional 183 protests between January and early February of this year, highlighting the continued turmoil in labor relations. The protests, most of which are related to wage disputes and occupational safety, reflect a broader trend of economic hardship and uncertainty facing Chinese workers.
Li Qiang, Founder and Executive Director of New York-based China Labour Watch, emphasized the impact of China’s economic slowdown on the surge in labor protests, citing challenges within the manufacturing and real-estate sectors as key factors. As manufacturing orders decrease and companies face financial strain, workers inevitably bear the brunt of the economic downturn, leading to heightened tensions and demands for better treatment. The current wave of labor unrest underscores the deep-rooted issues within China’s economic landscape and the urgent need for reforms to address the concerns of the working class.
Overall, the sharp increase in labor protests in China points to a broader socio-economic crisis that is brewing beneath the surface. With workers voicing their grievances more vocally than ever, it is evident that the challenges facing China’s labor force are reaching a critical juncture. As the country grapples with ongoing economic uncertainties and structural changes, the future of labor relations in China remains a pressing issue that will continue to shape the country’s social and economic landscape in the coming years.
