Protesting in Guangzhou

Hi all, sorry for not blogging for some time.. was busy with work and traveling around.

I wish to caution my readers who are in China or coming over to Guangzhou, there have been a rise in protesting. With the global slowdown, China is not spared. Many companies has started to cut cost, downsize or retrench workers etc. This has resulted in a rise in public protest. I witness one of it last week when I was in Guangzhou. It was held near my office.

The banner in white is translated as: I want to eat, give me back my job!

Apparently, some 500 workers from the company was being retrenched. I was told by another friend that he saw another protest in DongFeng Road Guangzhou 2 days ago. Normally, these news are not reported as the media is government control. I believe the situation is worse in other factories dominated cities like DongGuan and Jiangmen.

Economy in South China is the most affected because it is driven mainly by exports. Many factories in the South are in exporting business, almost 80% are reported to have closed. Those who are surviving are struggling. Things are not looking good for them.

To add on, with the Chinese New Year (26th Jan09) coming, many companies are closed for the lunar new year holiday ( up to 2 weeks).. there are a lot of locals who go back to their hometowns. Train stations and airports are especially crowded this season. With many people out of job, you got to be extra careful...

Take care people.. it looks like 2009 will be a tough year, but when the going gets tough, the tough get going!