U.S. — China Labor Cooperation
The United States and China signed two Memoranda of Understanding in 2011 to strengthen and deepen bilateral cooperation in labor law enforcement, worker rights, and workplace safety and health. The following activities build on a decade-long cooperation and collaboration between the two countries:
U.S. — China Labor Dialogue
In the spring of 2010, the two governments brought their cooperation on labor and employment to a new height, with the creation of an annual labor dialogue between the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and China's Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security (MOHRSS). The topics under current discussions include worker rights, labor law enforcement, and social safety net programs. ILAB is also exploring a senior level dialogue with China's State Administration of Work Safety (SAWS) on safety and health issues.
U.S. — China Strategic and Economic Dialogue (S&ED)
U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis participates in the U.S. — China Strategic and Economic Dialogue (S&ED). DOL contributes to the S&ED discussions in the area of rebalancing growth and leads the discussion on policies tools — such as enforcing minimum wage standards, promoting collective bargaining and improving social safety net programs — to raise household income and increase domestic demand.
U.S. — China Exchange and Cooperation on Mine Safety
DOL and SAWS are currently conducting a technical exchange project focusing on mine ventilation, atmospheric monitoring and prevention of pneumoconiosis, underground refuge alternatives, and emergency rescue and response.
Congressional-Executive Commission on China
U.S. Deputy Secretary of Labor Seth Harris is a commissioner on the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC). The CECC publishes an annual report on China's human rights practices.
Upcoming Events
There are no scheduled upcoming events under this forum.
Previous Events
November 21-25, 2011: Chinese Delegation Met with US Officials to Discuss Mine Rescue Standards and Training — Washington, DC and Prosperity, PA
The delegation was headed by Deputy Director-General Guo Zhiwu of China's National Work Emergency Management Center, State Administration of Work Safety and was on a one-week study mission focusing on U.S. mine rescue standards, practices and equipment. After meetings in Washington with senior ILAB and MSHA officials and with MSHA technical experts, the delegation traveled to Pennsylvania to visit the Mine Technology and Training Center (MTTC) of the United Mine Workers of America.
October 24-26, 2011: 5th International Mine Rescue Conference — Beijing, China
DOL's Assistant Secretary for Mine Safety and Health Joseph Main delivered a keynote speech at the 5th International Mine Rescue Conference held in Beijing. He called for greater cooperation among nations to improve mine safety and health. He also visited a Chinese coal mine in Shanxi and discussed technology used for atmospheric monitoring.
October 19-21, 2011: DOL and MOHRSS Bilateral Meetings — Washington, DC
MOHRSS Vice Minister Sun Baoshu visited USDOL in October and discussed bilateral cooperation and wage and hour law enforcement strategies with Deputy Undersecretary Sandra Polaski and Acting Wage and Hour Administrator Nancy Leppink.
October 10, 2011: Adoption of the CECC Annual Report on China — Washington, DC
Deputy Secretary Harris voted in October 2011 to adopt the 2011 CECC Annual Report on China.
May 10-11, 2011: USDOL — MOHRSS Annual Dialogue — Washington, DC
Deputy Undersecretary of Labor Sandra Polaski and Chinese Vice Minister of Labor Wang Xiaochu conducted the second annual labor dialogue between the two countries in Washington, DC. They focused the discussions on minimum wage policies and enforcement, labor market projections and analysis, and China's current efforts in integrating the rural and urban social security systems.
Resources
Questions?
Christopher Watson
(202) 693-4858
Watson.christopher@dol.gov
