If only we could organize workers here at this rate:

China’s government-sanctioned trade union has strengthened its foothold in McDonald’s Corp., a move that illustrates the increasing involvement by the All-China Federation of Trade Union in the work forces of multinational companies doing business in China.

About 80% of the McDonald’s work force in China is now unionized, compared with 50% two years ago, according to the company. By year end the company will be 100% unionized in China, said Gary Rosen, the head of marketing and corporate affairs for McDonald’s in China.

In some places, such as Shanghai, the increase in union membership at McDonald’s is dramatic: There are 5,049 members today, compared with about a hundred in 2005, union officials said.

 

Now, it is important to note that there is only one union in China–the ACFTU. It is a government-sanctioned union and, since it doesn’t have the power to collectively bargain or taker workers out on strike against employers, the AFL-CIO has boycotted the ACFTU. So, what does it do, according to the article in The Wall Street Journal?

The ACFTU defines itself as a mediator promoting harmonious relationship between labor and management. It also provides community services for workers, such as clubhouse facilities and organized activities, and says it recently has been playing a more active role in helping workers negotiate contracts collectively. The ACFTU also works closely with the Labor Ministry in crafting labor-related legislation.

The real challenge, it seems, is what U.S. unions should do with a counterpart–whatever its role–that represents a quarter of the workforce in the world. I can understand where the AFL-CIO is coming from. But, engaging the ACFTU in some fashion would seem to make a lot of sense.