News Hour > Homepage > News > 

China on the move: Protecting migrant worker's rights

2009-09-14 15:12 BJT

Special Report: 60th Anniversary of PRC |

Watch Video

Play Video

Migrant workers are the force behind China's economic growth. But there is not enough protection of their interests and rights. Our reporter, Zhang Lu, finds out that the implementation of the law should be strengthened to better protect them.

Pu Zibing has suffered from black lung for years. He used to work in an ore-mulling factory in Wenzhou, a developed city in the east. He is sick from the dust he inhaled during his work.

Pu Zibing said, "I chose to work in the factory because the boss paid us on time. I could earn 800 yuan a month. I have two daughters. They need money to go to school. "

Pu said that if he knew the job could lead to an incurable disease, he would have never exchanged his life for money. He asked for compensation of 200,000 Yuan. The legal process is long and complicated.

Zhou Litai from southwest China's Chongqing municipality is Pu's fourth lawyer.

He said the focus of the case is that the local government puts enterprises' interests over those of migrant workers.

Zhou Litai said, "Many people put "economic development" first. But the truth is that we cannot develop the economy at the cost of migrant workers's health, regardless of the country's laws and regulations. This is shortsighted and is not allowed by the country."