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The economic influence of China is growing stronger and stronger, especially after the country joined the WTO in 2001. China has become the fourth largest country worldwide in terms of import and export of commodities. According to official statistics, the Chinese economy grew by 9,4 per cent p.a. on average since 1978. In this period the number of multinational companies with investments in China also increased.
China is currently experiencing structural transformation. It is urgent that further action be taken in order to fulfil international standards regarding workers’ and human rights. The developments in this area and the working conditions of employees in China will have a significant impact on employees all over the world.
The IMF Executive Committee therefore decides that the IMF should establish contacts with workers in MNC’s to discuss the following;
- Right to strike and freedom of association
- Freedom of association and human rights
- International labor standards
- WTO and its impact on employees in China
- Multinational companies
- International and bilateral trade agreements as well as fundamental workers’ rights
- Working conditions
- Organizing, health and safety protection, collective agreements
In order to achieve these aims, the IMF will
- investigate and expose violations of trade issues, workers’ and human rights
- Prepare information on China regarding the above-mentioned topics
- Exert influence on national governments, the WTO, the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, G 8 countries and other international organizations so that the People’s Republic of China ratifies and implements ILO core labour standards and other conventions
- exert influence on MNC’s to adhere to core labor standards (IFA)
- Initiate activities in multinational companies such as - Database of information about selected multinational companies
- Workshop in the Shanghai region or other provinces in Southern China with workers in multinational companies with production sites in China
The members of the IMF Executive Committee tasks the working group on China to prepare concrete proposals for the next IMF Executive Committee meeting in November 2005, so that the Executive Committee can decide on them.
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