Worker Power
China Labor Watch
How we empower workers
In recent decades, workers have seen a decline in their share of global income. As global crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated existing global inequalities, technological advancement and other issues have boosted productivity while diminishing workers’ power. Migrant workers – especially those who work and reside in the Global South – are especially vulnerable to exploitation while remaining invisible in their struggles.
In the midst of global challenges, strengthening worker power remains a priority. At China Labor Watch, we strive to create an environment where every worker is equipped with the power to band together and voice their struggles to promote better treatments.
How we drive change
To support worker power, we work to strengthen workers’ collective actions, empower them with knowledge and to elevate their voices, and incorporate workers and local communities in the business and government decision-making process.
- Capacity Building. A lack of knowledge relating to forced labor and workers’ labor rights is at the center of many workers’ experiences. And the process of transnational labor migration can increase the marginalization that migrant workers face, putting migrant workers in situations of debt bondage and restricted freedom before they even arrive on the job. Providing training and support to workers on labor rights, forced labor indicators, signs of human trafficking, labor law, and negotiation skills are crucial to protect those in need and to prevent harm.
Aside from broad-based rights-centered training, CLW conducts labor rights and advocacy training for labor activists. This “Train the Trainer” approach empowers workers themselves to build leadership knowledge and skills, and expand their network to engage in collective bargaining and actions.
- Creating Solidarity Networks. Workers are divided by a variety of statuses and characteristics, including immigration status, nationality, cultural background, language, and religion. Collaborating with local NGOs and trade unions, CLW hopes to create a channel to connect Chinese, non-Chinese migrant workers, and local communities, enhance cross-community worker solidarity, and create a broad-based solidarity network among the most marginalized.