Trade unions taking on greater role 

cctv.com 07-21-2005 10:56

With China in a period of transition from Planned Economy to Market Economy, there are increasing numbers of work disputes between employers and employees and trade unions are playing a greater role.

Thirty-eight years old Jiang Xiaohua used to work for a construction company in Liuzhou city, in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. But two years ago, due to financial problems, his boss abruptly cancelled his contract. Since then, Jiang' s three-member family has lost its major source of income.

A construction worker Jiang Xiaohua said, "This has been bothering me for quite a long time. I have been looking for help from the authorities, including the court of justice, but with no success." Jiang eventually turned to the city of Liuzhou's Trade Union for advice. However, he is uncertain whether an arbitration ruling that is not legally binding will be helpful.

Jiang said, "The Union calls itself a home for workers. So I come here for help. They have promised to hold discussions with my old company to find a solution. I am still waiting." Two months later, Jiang received good news from the Union. His old company agreed to pay him what his basic income would have amounted to over the past two years. Now Jiang is working for another firm, and he says he is more confident than ever that his rights can be protected.

Disputes between employees and employers are on a rising trend in China. They mainly concern illegal employment, unpaid salary, and insurance cover issues. With more and more employees realizing that the current legal system is limited in guaranteeing their rights, many are turning to the Unions for help in mediating disputes.

Wei Yanfeng in Liuzhou Trade Union said, "When workers like Jiang Xiaohua come to us for help, we contact the workers' union in their companies, or their executive personnel, and mediate between the two sides to find solutions that are acceptable to both."

Liuzhou is a city famous for its heavy industry and a large workforce. But the city's Trade Union has little more than 30 people working for it. The Union's officials say they need to improve their work to better serve members.

Yue Weiyu in Liuzhou Trade Union said, "We have to enhance our ability to help the workers, including increasing our staffing levels and strengthening our knowledge base."

As an organization that help coordinate relations between employees and employers, the Trade Union is supported by the government to achieve its goal of being a shelter for workers, while at the same time guaranteeing the rights of employers.

Mao Shaoping, Vice President of Liuzhou Trade Union, said, "The basic function of the Trade Union is to protect the rights of workers through legal processes, give them advice, and help whenever they are in need of assistance."

It's commonly accepted that the mediation work of Trade Unions is indispensable in resolving the current wave of work disputes in the country. With successful examples, both the Unions and the workers are confident that, although there is still a long way to go, workers' rights will be better protected thanks to the Unions' growing role.

Editor:Wang  Source:CCTV.com