China amends draft new labour law amid outcry over forced labour scandal: Draft to be passed today

The draft labour contract law, which is likely to be adopted by China's national legislature when it ends its weeklong session on Friday, has been revised to punish government officials for abuse of office and dereliction of duty.

Officials abusing their authority or neglecting their responsibilities, resulting in harm to the interests of workers, will face administrative penalties or criminal prosecution if the actions are serious enough, according to the revised draft.

Lawmakers lambasted officials involved in the forced labour scandal in Shanxi Province during their fourth deliberation on the draft, which resulted in the revision, said Yang Jingyu, chairman of the Law Committee, on Thursday.

The officials' actions directly harmed the legal rights of workers and caused social disquiet, so the labor contract law, which aimed to protect workers, should contain provisions to tackle the problem, according to members of the NPC Standing Committee. The Law Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) has suggested to put the draft to a vote.

The forced labour scandal in Shanxi made headlines around the world this month, sparking outrage among the Chinese public and arousing concern from national leaders. The workers were forced to work long hours without pay in brick kilns, mines and other small industries.

 

Source: Xinhua

29 June 2007