Rules and regulations in Chinese factories.

W hat set of rules and regulations determine workplace practices in China? Is it the 13 chapters and 107 articles of the Labor Law of the People's Republic of China? Or is it the codes of conduct designed, implemented, and monitored by transnational corporations? While both are important , the translations that follow indicate that a third set of rules is far more important. These are the rules devised, implemented, and enforced by the factories themselves, and these are the regulations that truly rule workers' lives. These real regulations are not, with few exceptions, occupational health and safety laws, but sets of rules workers should observe at all times, whether on the factory floor, in the dormitories, or in the canteen. As such, they are often extensive and control all aspects of workers' lives, down to the most personal and mundane. Unlike the implementation of Chi-nese Labor Law and codes of conduct, these rules are strictly enforced and breaches carry stiff penalties for workers. The examples below, drawn from a number of manufacturing facilities in the Pearl River Delta (PRD), demonstrate the control factory management wields over its workforce by way of such rules. From the rulebook provided to all workers entering Elegant Top Shoes in Dongguan (which lies in the heart of the delta region) come the following rules (courtesy of China Labor Watch). All employees must obey these regulations carefully. Any breaches will be punished. The rules are unambiguous and responsibility often rests solely with individual workers, particularly with regard to health and safety: If a worker is injured either through his own fault or by mistake, no medical leave is permitted. Safety on the production line in this rulebook includes 35 items, one of which states: No chatting is allowed during work hours, no matter whether workers are engaged in single-machine production or line work. Dormitory rules are equally strict: After the Human Resource Department has allotted beds, workers must not switch or exchange them without permission. To share one's bed with others is forbidden. Admittance of outside personnel is not allowed. Workers not staying in the company dormitory will not be issued with a bed. The following behavior is not allowed: the use of unauthorized lights, candles or coal/oil cookers, playing poker or chess, hanging posters, and smoking. No fighting, gambling or consumption of alcohol. Workers are obliged to take a noontime nap, during which talking, …