Migrant workers have their voices heard

(chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2012-11-07 19:20

 

Since the opening up and reform of the late 1970s, migrant workers have played an important role in China. At the coming 18th CPC National Congress, among the more than 2,200 delegates from all over the country, there are 26 migrant workers drawing much media attention due to their special positions, according to Xinhua News Agency.

“Besides listening to others’ opinions, I have to speak for other Party members, especially the migrant workers. For example, how to improve the quality of migrant workers lives, and help them integrate into the city,” said Hong Gang, 35, a delegate of the 18th CPC National Congress, from Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Co Ltd, quoted by Xinhua News Agency.

After graduating from high school 15 years ago, Hong went to Ningbo city, Zhejiang province as a migrant worker. Four years later, he moved to Shanghai, and worked at a shipbuilding company for 11 years. Able to withstand hardship and eager to learn, he gradually earned a reputation as an outstanding technician and became a model worker of Shanghai and a delegate to the Shanghai Municipal People’s Congress.

His experience is a perfect example of the fight for success of the many migrant workers in China. In the era of opening up and reform, millions of young people from the countryside left for big cities, and become the new labor force behind the modernization of China.

“The government and society have paid much attention to us in recent years. I feel we are more valued because in the Party congress, the ratio of migrant workers delegates is increased,” said Xu Wenhua, a cleaner from Tianjin, a delegate at the Party congress, quoted by Xinhua News Agency.

According to Xinhua News agency, Xu’s feelings reflect those of many migrant workers. They are playing an increasingly important role in the development of the society in terms of economy and politics.

“It’s a trend in the development of politics and society. Migrant workers have become a stable class, and they can speak for the masses once elected as delegates of the Party congress. It’s good for society’s equality and democracy, too, ” Professor Zhu Lijia from the Chinese Academy of Governance, told Xinhua News Agency.

According to Xu, his colleagues hope people can respect their work and help to keep the environment clean. He also wants to maintain the basic rights of migrant workers.

“The working and living conditions of migrant workers have improved greatly, but there are still some problems, such as treatment, insurance, and children’s education,” said Kang Houming, a migrant worker delegate of the Party congress, from Chongqing Urban Construction Holdings (Group) Co Ltd, quoted by Xinhua News Agency.