SOAS Research Online

Abstract

In Asia, the construction industry -- with its long history -- is considered one of the most important industries for national development. Construction workers, however, are treated largely as secondary citizens, deprived of means to protect their dignity. They form one of the biggest groups that comprise the urban underclass. Often having migrated from rural areas or neighbouring countries, they work for buildings that they would never dream of living or working in. Given the current development of globalisation, the construction site is increasingly becoming a site where informal labour meets global capital. In both developed and developing countries, there is increasing competitive pressure on individual construction firms to cut off direct and indirect labour costs by using migrant labour and keeping labour as informal as possible. Still, construction firms in developed countries look for new markets in developing countries. Construction TNCs create, demolish and recreate instant global supply chains at the sites. This report looks into the changing nature of the global construction industry, particularly its impact on workers in Asia.