This book investigates restructuring in the electronics industry and in
particular the impact of a \u2018Chinese\u2019 labour regime on work and employ -
ment practices in electronics assembly in Europe.1 Electronics is an
extremely dynamic sector, characterized by an ever-changing organi -
zational structure, as well as cut-throat competition, particularly in
manufacturing. Located primarily in East Asia, electronics assembly has
become notorious for poor working conditions, low unionisation and
authoritarian labour relations. However, hostile labour relations and topdown
HR policies are not unique to East Asia. They have become
associated with the way the sector is governed more broadly, with a
number of Western companies also coming to rely on such practices
