ICEM condemns multinationals' attempts to water down China's new labour law

The Executive Committee of the International Federation of Chemical, Energy, Mine and General Workers' Unions (ICEM) on May 11, 2007 passed a resolution condemning attempts by multinationals to water down China/>/>'s draft labour law.

The full text of the resolution is as follows: The Executive Committee of the ICEM condemns the position taken by many global multinational companies, especially those companies originating from democratic countries, which are negatively influencing the decision making process of the Chinese government concerning the new Chinese labour law for workers in China.

Whereas, the current and new legal requirements by the Chinese government, in the eyes of the international trade union movement, are far below international standards as commonly accepted,

Whereas, many multinational enterprises doing business in China/>/> oppose implementation of these requirements.

Whereas, ICEM is concerned about the work conditions in China, and also about the influence that Chinese labour standards have on the position and working conditions of workers world-wide.

Be it Resolved, that ICEM calls upon multinational companies not to oppose these new requirements by the Chinese government, which, even though set at a level well below internationally accepted standards, can be considered progress.

Be it further Resolved, that ICEM calls upon multinational companies not to oppose the struggle by workers towards free, strong and independent trade unions in China/>/>.

Be it further Resolved that, multinational companies, originating from China/>/>, apply high-quality labour standards for their workers throughout their global operations.