Current Status And Challenges Of Labor Relations Management Of Chinese Enterprises In Africa

With the continuous strengthening of China-Africa cooperation and the promotion of the “Belt and Road” initiative,more and more Chinese enterprises have entered Africa.They are active in all walks of life in Africa and drive local economic and social development.While Chinese companies have created a large number of jobs for Africa,they are also facing severe labor risks.The status of their labor relations directly affects their survival.At the same time,poor management of labor relations by Chinese companies in Africa has become a weapon for the West to attack China.One objection generally raised by the West is that Chinese companies have undermined hard-won labor rights in Africa and criticized China 's investment in Africa as a "New colonialism" which directly affects China's international image and long-term development.Therefore,how do Chinese companies manage overseas labor relations in Africa? What are the challenges of labor relations? Are Chinese companies severely exploiting local labor as the West has said? These are issues that need to be researched and discussed urgently.This article takes a Chinese private enterprise in Ethiopia as an example.It uses a participatory observation method and in-depth interview method to analyze the labor relations management and challenges faced by Chinese companies in Africa.First,the analysis of labor relationship management is divided into four aspects: the establishment,operation,dissolution and mediation of labor relations.Research shows that local labor relations management of Chinese companies in Africa basically abides by the laws and regulations.Although there are still deficiencies,they do not "seriously exploit local workers" as the West says.The practice of labor relationship management is the result of the combined effect of the home country and the host country effect,rather than the western mainstream view that the labor relationship management of Chinese enterprises is determined by the home country background.The company provides a large number of local jobs,basically realizes local employment,and cultivates the skills and knowledge of local employees through various trainings.Secondly,the major challenge facing labor relations islabor-management conflicts.Through the strike incident of Ethiopian employees of Dongjian Company,it was found that in addition to the direct causes,labor-management conflicts between Chinese enterprises and local employees are hidden in all aspects of the enterprise,employees and society.It is not simply a problem of insufficient enterprise management,but also affected by various factors such as cross-cultural differences and difficulties in communication integration.Finally,in view of the shortcomings and problems of Chinese enterprises in the management of labor relations in Africa,in order to establish a harmonious labor relationship,this article believes that we should start from many aspects.Enterprises should strictly abide by local laws,strengthen cross-cultural communication and communication,establish complaint and adjustment mechanisms,and train transnational management talents.The Chinese government should strengthen publicity and guidance to help enterprises manage their overseas labor.