Prominent Chinese labor activist Han Dongfang, who helped found China´s first independent labor union in the wake of 1989´s Tiananmen Square uprising (during which he was imprisoned and then exiled to Hong Kong where he founded the China Labor Bulletin) will discuss the emerging labour movement in China and its impact on the country´s future. Chinese workers, Dongfang argues, should no longer be seen as mere victims of repression and exploitation but are now becoming labour activists who are organizing to promote and defend their interests.

6:00 p.m. Introduction
Professor Giampiero Gallo, University of Florence and New York University Florence

6:10 –7.00 A Dialogue with Han Dongfang, Chinese Labor Activist

7:00 Question and Answer session with the audience

7:30 Reception