China orders iPod maker to allow union

Hongfujin Precision Industry, which was exposed by two Chinese journalists for forcing overtime on its 200,000 strong staff, has been ordered to set up a union, which would be affiliated to the government's All-China Federation of Trade Unions.

According to the official Xinhua News Agency, China does not allow independent labour organising, but has been pushing companies with foreign investors to allow state-sanctioned labour groups.

This is not necessarily a wonderful thing for the workers, as the unions have a nasty habit of allying themselves with the managers.

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