China orders iPod maker to allow union

THE IPOD manufacturer at the heart of a recent 'sweat shop' allegation has been ordered by the Chinese government to allow workers to set up a 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.

More here. µ

See Also
iPod maker backs down on journalist defamation
Hon Hai's profits almost double on Ipod boost
Hon Hai should climb off its press high horse
Foxconn seizes journalists' assets over stories of workers' woes