Migrant workers get legal protection

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Source: CCTV.com | 03-10-2008 13:48

The influx of millions of migrant workers to urban areas has posed many challenges for the Chinese government towards building a harmonious society. Among the myriad of issues to be addressed for the migrants, such as employment, medical care, housing and schooling, is how to protect their legal rights and interests.

Like all other migrant workers here, Xiao hopes to earn more money in the city. But problems of late payment, or non-payment of wages always worry him.

50-year-old Xiao Baishun has worked on urban construction sites in Southwestern China's city of Xi'an for over a decade. Like all other migrant workers here, Xiao hopes to earn more money in the city. But problems of late payment, or non-payment of wages always worry him. This time, Xiao decided to seek legal help.

This law firm for migrant workers is located at a shabby corner of the street. But it's actually a very busy and powerful organization for local migrant workers who come here to seek legal help. And more important, all it's services are free to the migrants.

Four lawyers work here to provide legal consultation and help migrant workers with their cases. Most of the cases involve injuries at work and default wages.

The firm was set up last year under a joint project of the UNDP and the local government. Four lawyers work here to provide legal consultation and help migrant workers with their cases. Most of the cases involve injuries at work and default wages.

With the lawyers' assistance, Xiao said he will soon get his due payment.

Migrant worker Xiao Baishun said, "Migrant workers like me do not have legal knowledge. So we don't know how to protect ourselves. Free legal consultation is very important to us."

And the lawyers said the recently publicized Labor Contract Law provides legal guarantees to migrant workers.

Sun Rong, lawyer of Legal Station for Migrants, said, "The Law took effect this year. It's an important reference for us to help protect the migrants' rights."

According to the UNDP, a legal network for migrant workers will be set up to cover over 20 provinces in China within a year. This network is not just in the interest of the migrants, but also of the government and society.

Alessandra Tisot, deputy country director, UNDP, said, "It's a promotion of the rule of law which the government is interested and equal society where the Xiao Kang vision should be furthered."

Xiao Baishun is glad that he will soon get his overdue salary. But what he really wants is that all migrant farmer workers like him will soon be covered by the legal protection network.

Editor:Zhang Ning