Catherwood LibraryILR School

As more research and investigations into recent Chinese labor actions takes place an unlikely profile is emerging as a major promoter for workers? rights: middle managers. In the largest strike in recent memory at Yue Yuen Industrial Holdings, the middle and front-line managers were some of the first to speak out regarding the company?s underfunding of State social security programs. Similarly, middle managers were some of the first to speak out and mobilize against the sale of IBM plants in China to Lenovo. Although Chinese middle management?s role in international deals has a long history, the practice is increasing in recent years and spreading to labor actions that do not directly involve foreign multi-nationals. Part of the reason that managers are becoming more active in labor issues is because they have the most skin in the game. While it is not uncommon for younger workers to have a different job every year, managers are more likely to be invested in one plant, store, or facility and are more likely to have more to lose the benefits associated with tenure.