The U.S. will be advising China on workers? issues such as labor safety and social security. These are critical issues considering China?s transition from communism to private enterprise. The Labor Department is already working with Chinese officials to help the government create laws and regulations that are consistent with international standards. One issue that the U.S. has not made much progress on is independent labor unions, which are not allowed in China.
See "U.S. to aid China with labor issues", Michael A. Lev, Chicago Tribune, June 22, 2004