Support our nonpartisan, nonprofit research and insights which help leaders address societal challenges.
Donate

- Authors:
-
Publication Date:
November 2010
Since China’s ascension into the World Trade Organization that formally opened its doors to globalization, workers’ wages have trended one way—up. Even so, there are now more frequent reports of strikes and protests and clear indications that government fears about wage-related social unrest have grown. But will soaring wages and protesting workers eventually erode one of China’s most prominent global economic advantages—its low labor costs? This report looks at the widening gaps between China’s skilled and unskilled workers, genders, education, employer types, and geographic locations as well as relative wage levels compared to China’s Asian neighbors and what this all means for companies doing business in China.