First-generation migrant workers deserve better support in old age

SINCE THE OPENING-UP and reform policy was launched in 1978, hundreds of millions of people from rural areas left their hometowns to work in cities. Today most of the first-generation migrant workers are in their 60s or 70s. Beijing Youth Daily comments:

Most of the first-generation migrant workers had poor education backgrounds and the jobs they took were mostly heavy physical labor, such as working on construction sites. It is fair to say that, having shouldered a large part of the physical labor in cities, they have contributed to the modernization of Chinese society.

But the social security and welfare system was far from satisfactory when they were working, so they are commonly without a liveable pension. And their wages were so low that most of them hardly have any savings.