1. 1 International Labor Standards: Implications in China WANG Lin ILO Beijing Office For international workshop on labor standards 23 March 2004, Beijing China

2. 2 1. Core international labor standards 2. Labor rights & conditions in China Content

3. 3 1. Core International Labor Standards International labor standards (ILS) are the cornerstone of the ILO ’ s work in any country.

4. 4 1. Core International Labor Standards 184 Conventions 8 have been identified as “ fundamental ” Conventions by the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and rights at Work Freedom of association. Discrimination, Forced labor Child labor.

5. 5 1. Core International Labor Standards The operational objectives of ILO's ILS work in China (a) to promote and realize the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work; (b) to provide technical advice and assistance for the ratification and application of ILO Conventions, including fundamental and priority Conventions; (c) to conduct information and educational activities to promote greater awareness of (a variety of ) international labor standards; (d) to strengthen institutional capacity in labor inspection to promote the effective application of ILO Conventions, taking into account the relevant Conventions on labor inspection.

6. 6 1. Core International Labor Standards China has ratified the following 23 Conventions ConventionRatificationRegistered Age 1) C.7Minimum Age (Sea), 192002.12.36 2) C.15Minimum Age (Trimmers and Stokers), 192102.12.36 3) C.16Medical Examination of Young Persons (Sea), 192102.12.36 4) C.59Minimum Age (Industry) (Revised), 193721.02.40 5) C.138 Minimum Age 1973 28.04.99 6) C.182 The Worst Forms of Child Labor, 1999 08.08.02

7. 7 1. Core International Labor Standards China has ratified the following 23 Conventions ConventionRatificationRegistered None discrimination 7) C.159 Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Disabled Persons), 1983 02.02.88

8. 8 1. Core International Labor Standards China has ratified the following 23 Conventions ConventionRatificationRegistered Rights 8) C.11Right of Association (Agriculture) 192127.04.34 9) C.14Weekly Rest (Industry), 192117.05.34 10) C.19Equality of Treatment (Accident Compensation), 192527.04.34 11) C.100 Equal Remuneration, 195102.11.90 12) C.26 Minimum Wage-Fixing Machinery, 192805.05.30

9. 9 1. Core International Labor Standards China has ratified the following 23 Conventions ConventionRatificationRegistered Occupational health and safety 13) C.32Protection against Accidents (Dockers) (Revised), 193230.11.35 14) C.167 Safety and Health in Construction 198307.03.02 15) C.170Chemicals, 199011.01.95

10. 10 1. Core International Labor Standards China has ratified the following 23 Conventions ConventionRatificationRegistered Labor administration 16) C.122Employment Policy, 1964 17.12.97 17) C.144Tripartite Consultation (International Labor Standards), 197602.11.90 18) C.150 Labor Administration, 197807.03.02

11. 11 1. Core International Labor Standards China has ratified the following 23 Conventions ConventionRatificationRegistered 19) C.45Underground Work (Women), 193502.12.36 20) C.80Final Articles Revision, 194604.08.47 21) C.22Seamen's Articles of Agreement, 192602.12.36 22) C.23Repatriation of Seamen, 192602.12.36 23) C.27Marking of Weight (Packages Transported by Vessels), 192924.06.31

12. 12 1. Core International Labor Standards More to come 1)Convention 111, Discrimination (Employment and Occupation), 1958 2) Convention 108, Seafarers Identity Documents Convention, 1958 3) Convention180, Seafarers' Hour of Work and the Manning of Ships Convention, 1996 4) Convention 155, Occupational Safety and Health, 1981 5) Convention 161, Occupational Health Service, 1985 6) Convention 81, Labor Inspection, 1947 7) Convention 29, Forced Labor, 1930 8) Convention 105, Abolition of Forced Labor, 1957.

13. 13 World’s ‘production floor’ China sets reference for global practices and standards Export oriented small-medium size & labor intensive enterprises are the driving force of China’s economy Informal sector and private owned enterprises 2. Labor rights & conditions in China

14. 14 Driving force of China’s economy: Employ mass surplus low skilled labor Set standards of working conditions and rights (national & international) Represent a type of manage style & employee relations 2. Labor rights & conditions in China

15. 15 Driving force of China’s new industrial relations: Massive flows of migrant workers Low skill and poorly trained Not covered by social security Not represented by ACFTU, or union No negotiating power etc… 2. Labor rights & conditions in China

16. 16 Promote ILS through sound management and worker-management relations to: Improve management skills Empower workers Improve working conditions Require full collaboration among social partners 2. Labor rights & conditions in China

17. 17 Challenge awareness / labor surplus v.s. rights willingness of the enterprise entry point to target enterprise law enforcement independent object inspection 2. Labor rights & conditions in China

18. 18 1. Core International Labor Standards Two tracks : ILSChinese Labor Law Eenterprise upgradingNational policy Management skillsConsultation Enterprise associationsGovernment agencies Social partnersMOLSS Need collaboration & support of social partners

19. 19 1. Core International Labor Standards To promote a new professional field To achieve technical cooperation among Chinese ministerial organizations To include non-Governmental bodies as partners (while they are underdeveloped) To introduce a new concept Capacity Building Concept Level Implementation Level

20. 20 ILO “ To promote Decent Work through sound human resource management and labor relations at workplace, leads to socially sustainable development promotes economic development” has been the basis of some local officials ’ arguments with the top local leaders. 2. Labor rights & conditions in China

21. 21 Thank you for you attention, and look forward for your comments