Why Migrant Workers Praise the Law
The Shanghai Daily News reports that migrant workers have some hope to resolve their woes with free legal assistance in the northwestern city of Xi’an in Shaanxi Province.
Running with a budget of less than 7,000 yuan (US$972) per month, the Xi’an legal-aid station is hailed as a “beacon” for migrant workers by local media which have tracked the station since its formation last year. It is a joint effort by the United Nations Development Program and the All China Lawyers’ Association.
Migrant workers who number up to 200 million in China usually complain that employers pay them late or not at all, and of work-related injuries.
The station recently helped 41 construction workers fight to collect about 90,000 yuan, their half-year earnings for last year. “The work is tougher as they were employed indirectly through sub-contractors or, even worse, via oral promises,” said Zhao.
Origin: , Shanghai Daily News
POSTED COMMENTS: 2 Responses
[...] of the article (h/t to CDT): WITH just three donated computers, two sparsely decorated rooms without central heating, [...]
This is a positive thing ultimately for businesses and society at large. Rule of law is good for businesses and contractual relationships; it is good for development of IP and innovation; and it makes for a society where people can internalize the law rather than listen to what they are told by one central source of authority. See my blog:
http://www.chinalawandbusiness.com/2008/02/13/free-legal-assistance-in-xian-is-good-for-china/
I am not the only one who agrees:
http://chinabusinesslaw.blogspot.com/2008/02/low-budget-legal-aid-high-yield-in-xian.html