STATE COUNCIL SAFEGUARDS MIGRANT WORKERS’ RIGHTS

China’s State Council on Friday pledged to press ahead with addressing wage arrears for migrant workers to safeguard their legitimate rights and interests. The pledge was made at a meeting presided over by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang. Attendees of the meeting said that addressing the issue of wage arrears for migrant workers was an important step to increase their income and strengthen social justice, embodying the people-centered development concept.

The State Council will carry out special campaigns and inspection tours to crack down on such offenses, while making some cases public.

Provincial, municipal and county-level officials will be held accountable for wage arrears for migrant workers within their jurisdictions, according to the meeting. Human resources and social security departments must maintain clear and open channels for people to report crimes, and a blacklist system should be created to punish enterprises which are in arrears with migrant workers’ salaries. Attendees also agreed to handle lawmakers’ suggestions and political advisors’ proposals to promote scientific decision making. They said handling lawmakers’ suggestions and political advisors’ proposals are important for addressing people’s concerns and advancing administration according to law. The 13th Five-Year Plans on food and drug safety were both approved at the meeting.

Xinhua