Labor relations improvement signals human rights progress

Official data show that in the first 11 months of 2014, Chinese government has helped migrant workers recover wages totaling 27.9 billion yuan.

Though the figure seemed reassuring to some extent, it is also proof of how rampant wage default goes in China, particular in the construction sector.

Hopefully, the new guideline can help put the unscrupulous practice to rest once and for all.

In addition, the guideline also promised regulations will ensure employees enjoy their due holidays without compromising wages.

Employers are asked to invest more in labor safety education, training and protection facilities to reduce accidents and occupational diseases during worktime.

China will try to expand the coverage of social insurance to all employees, especially for disadvantaged communities such as rural migrant workers and outsourced employees, the guideline said.

The pursuit of improved human rights conditions is a path that never ends, and all these moves, though each only represents a small step forward, signal further progress, as they implement the Constitution's spirit of protecting human rights.