Union body helps Shandong's city to boost rural vitalization

Measures to boost the vitalization of rural areas – and to support the development of rural industries and migrant workers – have been rolled out by the Lin'gang district federation of trade unions, located in Weihai city, in East China's Shandong province.

The measures include Party leadership actions, grassroots organizational development and the integration of agricultural enterprises with the federation.

The federation has stepped up efforts to bolster the capabilities of local workers by issuing an array of initiatives, including a field classroom program – where hands-on vocational training is provided to migrant workers, regardless of whether they work in the fields or on the production lines.

The training sessions cover a wide range of topics, including blueberry cultivation techniques, massage therapy, childcare, flower arrangements and commerce. It's estimated that more than 2,000 migrant workers have benefited from the program.

In addition, the federation is focusing on safeguarding the rights of employees. It's providing assistance to help secure job opportunities, as well as educational funding and emotional support, among other things.

Moreover, the federation has adopted a collective consultation approach, to help sign up more collective wage contracts.

Committed to advancing rural vitalization, the federation has proactively participated in industrial development. It's established a city-level workers entrepreneurship park, offering locals employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.

Meanwhile, close collaboration with rural industries is paving the way for cooperation between union-affiliated companies and rural businesses.

An annual agricultural products promotion event, in particular, is said to be a significant contributor to increasing the incomes of villagers through  product sales.

During the event, the federation promotes special agricultural products through online e-commerce platforms and conducts livestreaming support activities. This is widely recognized as being a boon for local industries and overall economic development. (Edited by Zhou Yunlai)

Residents of Lin'gang district use live streaming on e-commerce platforms to sell their specialty food products. [Photo by Yang Yan for chinadaily.com.cn]