On the path to their truth: A study in 6 factories in China listening to the voices of young migrant workers

China has an estimated 242 million migrant workers, according to government data. More than 100 million of these workers were born in the 1980s and early 1990s.”On the path to their truth” is a study involving hundreds of young migrant workers in six factories in southern China. The aim of the study was to hear from the young workers themselves how they view their lives, specifically their work situations, and listen to their dreams and aspirations. In order to ensure the workers were really listened to, some of them were chosen to be co-researchers to make the research more inclusive and youth-centered. Factory managers also took part in the research. The report includes recommendations for firms to improve their management strategies, providing staff with more opportunities to participate and enhancing relationships between young workers and local communities. The study was carried out in 2011 by the Centre of Child Rights and Corporate Social Responsibility (CCR CSR) and the China National Textile and Apparel Council (CNTAC).