Working condition in China

A range of protests have been made about working conditions within a large Taiwanese
manufacturer, Faxconn, operating within China (Brannigan, 2010). According to Brannigan (2010,
the company employs around 900,000 people. Around a third of these people are employed in a
plant in Shenzhen where particular concerns have been raised about the length of working condition
hours, low pay and monotonous work. In certain cases the outcome appears to have been extreme-
at least nine workers have apparently committed suicide as a result of having to endure such
conditions.

The company has attempted to address problems in a number of ways. Firstly, it has installed safety
nets around buildings. Secondly, it has provided a counselling service for employees. Thirdly, it has
begun playing music on production lines in order to alleviate the monotony felt by employees.

However, campaigners argue that the company has not gone far enough. In addition, to changes in
working conditions, they are also arguing for independent voice mechanisms for workers.

Question:

1. Why should the company change its practices? Company sources refer to a huge flood if
applicants whenever vacancies are announced, so does the company need to change?

2. Which approach would best explain the occurrences at Faxconn and why? (Unitary, pluralist
or Marxist)

** In answering this question consider the relationship between the employer and employees
and the nature of the conflict.

Source:

Dibben, P., Klerck, G., & Wood, G. (2011). Employment Relations: a Critical and International
Approach. London: CIPD.
Pelbagai bantahan telah dibuat mengenai keadaan bekerja dalam
pengeluar Taiwan yang besar, Faxconn, yang beroperasi dalam China
(Brannigan, 2010). Menurut Brannigan (2010, syarikat itu menggaji
sekitar 900,000 orang. Kira-kira satu pertiga daripada orang-orang ini
bekerja di sebuah kilang di Shenzhen di mana kebimbangan tertentu
telah dibangkitkan mengenai tempoh waktu kerja keadaan, gaji
rendah dan kerja membosankan. Dalam kes-kes tertentu hasil
nampaknya telah extreme- sekurang-kurangnya sembilan pekerja
mempunyai bunuh diri nampaknya komited sebagai hasil dari
mempunyai bertahan apa-apa syarat.
Syarikat itu telah cuba untuk menangani masalah dalam beberapa cara.
Pertama, ia telah memasang jaring keselamatan di sekeliling
bangunan. Kedua, ia telah menyediakan perkhidmatan kaunseling
untuk pekerja. Ketiga, ia telah mula bermain muzik pada barisan
pengeluaran untuk mengurangkan kebosanan yang dirasai oleh
pekerja.
Walau bagaimanapun, kempen berhujah bahawa syarikat itu telah
tidak pergi cukup jauh. Di samping itu, perubahan dalam keadaan
kerja, mereka juga berhujah mekanisme suara bebas untuk pekerja.
Soalan:
1. Mengapa syarikat itu perlu mengubah amalan? sumber syarikat
merujuk kepada banjir besar jika pemohon apabila kekosongan
diumumkan, begitu juga syarikat itu perlu berubah?
2. Pendekatan manakah terbaik menerangkan kejadian di Faxconn dan
mengapa? (Kesatuan, pluralis atau Marxist)