China - No effective protection against anti-union discrimination (2013)

Five workers at the US-owned company “International Paper” were dismissed after they had taken part in a two-day strike on 19-20 February 2013 against unequal remuneration and bonuses. The company argued workers did not observe their obligations when they returned to work on 21 February 2013. While the arbitration court ruled that their dismissal was illegal, the company was not condemned to any penalty and was not ordered to reinstate workers. This case is emblematic of how the lack of effective legal remedies against anti-union discrimination is exposing workers to abuses by employers.