Number: RL31862
Title: Workplace Codes of Conduct in China and Related Labor Conditions
Authors: Thomas Lum, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division 
Abstract: This report provides an overview of U.S. interests and policies regarding chinas labor conditions. It compares a cross section of labor codes of conduct used by U.S. corporations and their suppliers that manufacture toys, shoes, apparel, and other labor intensive merchandise in China for export. Many consumer goods imported from China to the United States are produced by Hong Kong, Taiwanese, and South Korean factories in China for U.S. brands. Serious labor rights abuses have been reported in many of these factories. All of the codes sampled in this report mandate labor standards that are consistent with International Labor Organization core covenants and Chinas Labor Law. The standards compared in this report pertain to child labor, forced labor, disciplinary actions, discrimination, health and safety, and the environment. However, many of the codes do not provide extensive guidelines for monitoring and verifying compliance.
Pages: 11
Date: Updated April 23, 2003