engleski

Political Economy of Labor with Chinese Characteristics

The author focuses on growth-models and consequent shifts in political power to explain the institutional change in Chinese labor. China has greatly benefited from its export-led growth- model which was compatible with low wages and effectively deregulated labor markets (as wages were viewed primarily as an element of supply). However, as China moves to a consumption-led growth model, the better position of workers becomes a necessity (as wages become increasingly viewed as an element of demand). This shift has possible political consequences as it could lead to greater organizational capabilities in workers (with better laws since the 2008 legislation package, more resources, education and awareness of rights). However, the independent labor organization is viewed with utmost suspicion in China, creating a significant dilemma. The author describes the labor organization in China starting with the momentous transformation of labor institutions: the dismantling of the iron rice bowl system in the 1980s, the initial labor contract law of the mid-1990s, the attempts to construct a new growth model via labor institutions in the late 2000s and the current crack down on labor activism.

China ; labour market ; growth model ; institutional change

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