From Chinese Press

Workers still vulnerable

(China Daily)
Updated: 2010-08-12 07:52

An employer in Guangdong province finally paid his workers recently - but not before slapping some of them for demanding their dues. Such people should not be allowed to go scot-free, and the government should take every step possible to ensure that, says an article in Guangming Daily. Excerpts:

Though many employers hire bullies to "teach a lesson" to workers who demand their salary arrears, most of them know they are committing a crime. But an employer in Guangdong didn't feel any guilt after slapping some of his workers. Instead, he thought it was the "real solution" to the problem.

Denying workers their pay and beating them up for demanding their dues are crimes that undermine social equality. Such violence is tantamount to brutal oppression of grassroots people by employers and their hired hoodlums.

Labor and social security departments should ensure that workers are paid their wages on time and "can work with dignity". And they have to take the necessary steps to punish such employers and their hired goons.

Besides, the Ministry of Public Security should consider non-payment of wages and violence against workers as "intentional crime".

Many workers are still not paid on time, with some of them being cheated of their wage arrears, even though the government has passed several regulations to ensure that they are not exploited.

The way the defaulting Guangdong employer responded suggests workers still don't have legal protection, which is very important in such disputes and has a profound effect on the functioning of the entire society.

(China Daily 08/12/2010 page9)