Collective bargainings is a process of voluntary negotiation between employers and workers aimed at reaching agreements to adjust working conditions. Collective agreements usually set out wage scales, working hours, training, health and safety, overtime, grievance mechanisms and rights to participate in workplace or company affairs.

The right to collectively bargain is recognised through international human rights conventions. Article 23 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights identifies the ability to organize trade unions as a fundamental human right. Item 2(a) of the International Labour Organization's Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work defines the "freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining" as an essential right of workers.

Despite the recognition of collective bargaining as a fundamental human right, collective bargaining has virtually never been an option for the majority of Chinese workers. However, China Labor Watch is working to change this. CLW is engaged in educating workers about their rights of collective bargaining, and provides training on how workers should engage with their employers to demand a fair wage and acceptable working conditions.