Birth rights of female workers protected by law

It is reported that a rural credit cooperative union in Henan province, Central China, has stipulated that its female employees have to report their pregnancy plans and apply and wait for their turn to give birth. If they fail to carry out the plan and affect the work schedule, they have to pay a fine of 1,000 yuan ($160). Comments:

Reproductive rights are a basic right and should not be interfered with. It is clearly stipulated in the Law on the Protection of Rights and Interests of Women and Children that female employees may not be dismissed or their contracts unilaterally terminated because of marriage, pregnancy, maternity leave or nursing of a child. The logic behind the credit cooperative union's illegal pregnancy arrangement is "for work needs", which is understandable as companies are cost-conscious. However, if the cost cutting is at the expense of employee's rights, it loses all legitimacy. Moreover, a company that lacks the human touch will not thrive as it will not gain its employees' loyalty.

Gmw.cn, July 3