China
        

From Chinese Media

Migrant worker shortage good phenomenon

Updated: 2011-02-18 11:21

By Zhang Jiawei (chinadaily.com.cn)

Twitter Facebook Myspace Yahoo! Linkedin Mixx

The battle for hiring migrant workers is a good phenomenon and symbolizes the start of workers' domination in the labor market, according to a commentary by Yu Fenghui for Xinhua News Agency.

Migrant workers are named as those who come from rural areas to work in cities and represented hard, dirty work with low pay, the commentary said.

Related readings:
Migrant worker shortage good phenomenon Migrant worker shortage seen as good sign
Migrant worker shortage good phenomenon Manufacturing belts in labor shortage
Migrant worker shortage good phenomenon Manpower shortage strikes East China city
Migrant worker shortage good phenomenon 67% firms in Jiangsu expect labor shortage

It has long been a social problem that their salary is kept low and not paid on time. The country has made efforts to improve the situation with policies to ensure workers' rights and an increased minimum salary, but it is far from enough to solve the problem in the coastal areas which have high industry density.

The ultimate way out will be to rely on market mechanism, the commentary said.

Enterprises from China's coastal areas are moving inland to employ local workers, which not only can cut their costs, but it is convenient for workers, as the country's central and western regions develop.

The commentary said the battle for labor will raise the low salary level to some degree and migrant workers' social security needs such as pension, medical care and work accident compensation will be gradually met.

Specials

Spring Festival

The Spring Festival is the most important traditional festival for family reunions.

Top 10

A summary of the major events both inside and outside China.

A role model

Alimjan Halik had been selected as the "Cyberspace Personality Who Moved the Hearts of the Chinese in 2010".

All about the Year of the Rabbit
President Hu visits the US
Ancient life