Industrial Workers’ Rights

Workers’ Daily November 2

The Communist Party of China’s Committee and Government of Minxing District in Shanghai recently released a three-year plan on strengthening public services for industrial workers.

Urban policy dictates whether industrial workers can find a home in cities and how well infrastructure such as transportation, healthcare, entertainment and leisure facilities is working for blue collar employees. Issues such as canteen access, rent cost and transportation links all affect their sense of happiness and security and influence their decision to settle in an urban location.

However, public services in many places are inadequate, affecting the stability and develop-

ment of industrial workers. Migrant workers, who account for the majority of industrial workers, are particularly eager for equal services.

Developing conditions for such workers requires the government to develop feasible policies and ensure their implementation.

Trade unions at all levels should play an active role in improving public services for workers. They should try to secure support from the government by candidly reporting workers’ living and working conditions while also gleaning the support of private capital. The trade union of Futian District in Shenzhen of south China’s Guangdong Province has set up canteens in some industrial parks and office buildings of the district using 20 million yuan ($2.9 million) of private capital.

Only if the government, trade unions, trade associations and enterprises work together will workers be able to enjoy superior services, engendering a preferential quality of life.