(China Daily)
Updated: 2007-11-20 07:25

To ensure that employees enjoy annual paid leave, we need strong trade unions, says an article in East Morning Post. The following is an excerpt:

A recent online poll showed that most people are expecting the early introduction of regulations on paid leave. But at the same time they are worried whether these regulations can be enforced in realty.

Among the interviewees, 79.4 percent complained that the regulations were too weak to protect the rights of employees, and 67.2 percent had a pessimistic view of paid leave in their companies.

Their concerns are reasonable and well-founded. Early in 1995, the Labor Law stipulated that employees are entitled to annual paid leave, but this has not been faithfully carried out due to lack of concrete measures for implementation.

However, this time relevant departments have published the draft of the regulations on paid leave for public opinion, but why are so many people still worried?

Obviously, the key reason is that compared with employers, employees are disadvantaged and are often unable to protect their legitimate rights and interests.

The importance of making a living and the high cost of protecting their rights deter them.

However, if a group can speak for them and fight for their rights and interests, things will be better. Trade unions should be able to do that.

As we all know it is hardly possible for one employee to assert his rights. A collective voice produces results.

Hence, to build strong trade unions is significant to acquiring concrete rights such as paid leave. Only when there are such unions, can employees effectively assert their legitimate rights and interests.

The Labor Contract Law will take effect soon and regulations on paid leave are getting more effective, but we need strong trade unions to ensure their smooth implementation.

(China Daily 11/20/2007 page10)