Trade unions in China will play a more active role in protecting the legal rights of migrant farmers-turned-workers.

According to sources with the All-China Federation of Trade Unions, the 120 million farmers-turned-workers counted for over half of the whole manual and service industry labour population in the country.

However, only 13.8 per cent of the migrant workers were involved in trade unions.

"We aim to develop a further 6 million trade union members among migrant workers to better protect their rights," Gu Changsheng, director of the Information and Education Department of the federation, said yesterday at a press conference.

The rights of migrant workers, who mostly work for private enterprises, are more frequently infringed than their counterparts with a permanent urban residence.

For example, salaries of many migrant workers are delayed in payment and many of the workers are not covered by social insurance.

"Trade unions will be able to support the migrant workers when they meet difficulties," Gu said.

The federation requires various levels of trade unions to be able to rapidly convey the grievances of its members to government departments.

He also vowed to provide legal services to those migrant workers when their rights are infringed.

Meanwhile, health and safety of migrant workers was also being given priority by the federation.

"Trade unions will strengthen supervision over labour, health and safety this year; especially in highly dangerous industries and industries that contain large numbers of migrant workers," Gu said.

Over 5 million migrant workers are expected to receive safety education this year.

Furthermore, the federation plans to promote the abolishment of laws and policies that prejudice migrant workers, for example the practice of charging them extra fees.

As many private companies are unwilling to set up labour movements, independent trade unions will be established to invite more migrant worker members, according to Yang Honglin, vice-director of the federation's department for grass-roots construction.

A total of 5 million yuan (US$616,500) was invested to aid migrant workers in difficulty during the Spring Festival holiday. Those who are unable to afford transportation back home due to a lack of salary payments will be assisted.

An examination was just started by the federation and the ministries of labour, social security and construction over the salaries of migrant worker in eight major provinces and municipalities.

Source: China Daily