China Revises Law on Workers’ Rights

New York Times: By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

BEIJING, June 29 (AP) — China enacted a labor law Friday meant to improve workers’ rights amid complaints about unpaid wages and other abuses, and an official tried to assure wary foreign investors they will not be hurt by the new standards.

The law is the most significant change in Chinese labor law in more than a decade. Its approval followed 18 months of deliberation, public debate and complaints by activists that foreign business groups were trying to erode workers’ rights. ...

The legislation sets standards for labor contracts, use of temporary workers, layoffs and other employment conditions in a rapidly changing economy, according to a report issued by the legislature. ...

Most complaints are directed at Chinese employers or smaller companies run by foreign entrepreneurs. Major Western companies are regarded as offering the best pay and working conditions. But state media are quick to publicize accusations of misconduct against well-known American and other Western employers.

Passage of the labor law comes as the communist government is trying to update its legal and political structures to keep pace with a rapidly changing society and market-oriented economic reforms.