The China ResearchGraphic: Labor Strife in China -- Anticipating Stress Points, Preparing to Respond

As China's economic slowdown deepens and associated volatilities increase, labor unrest is on the rise. Data collected by China Labor Bulletin, a Hong Kong-based NGO, shows that the number of labor strikes has increased dramatically over the past three years.

For MNCs, labor frictions stem from a wide range of circumstances, but most commonly from downsizings and closures, uncertainties during M&A activity, and internal compliance investigations that provoke resistance. But many other issues can provoke disputes – managerial conflicts being an important one.

Content for this issue of the China ResearchGraphic was extracted from the China Workforce Planning Database and the Deep Dive Exchange Insights #6 - "Labor Strife in China" report, a summary of discussion points, learnings, lessons, and business implications from the March 2016 Conference Board China Center convening on managing labor disputes. China Center members can download the full summary document at www.conference-board.org/chinacenter.