Paid leave is a right, not an extra benefit

A female Chinese worker sews clothes at a garment factory in Huaibei city, east China's Anhui province, on January 20, 2015.[Photo/IC]

The government has already emphasized five times this year, workers have the right to paid leave. Comments:

Inadequate supervision and punishment are among top reasons why paid leave has often become empty talk for employees. Employers who failed to abide by the Regulations on Paid Annual Leave of Employees always receive light or no penalties, making it more difficult for employees to ask for paid leave. Therefore, detailed rules should be implemented as soon as possible to further strengthen supervision and increase the cost of denying workers their right to paid leave.

Chinanews.com, Aug 4

Although there are articles in the Labor Law regarding paid leave, the institutional loopholes and lack of detailed regulations have hindered its effective implementation. Also, the traditional mindset of Chinese and people's lack of awareness of the importance of a work-life balance have exacerbated the problem. A change in mentality could be achieved by more media publicity and guidance, which could make workers better aware of their rights and interests and the best way to protect them.

Xinhuanet.com, Aug 4

The reason why workers see paid leave as an extra benefit rather than their legitimate right is because many employers use whatever means they can to prevent employees from enjoying their paid leave. However, paid leave could, to some extent, stimulate consumption, and so it should be protected with specific measures and properly implemented by enterprises.

Cnhubei.com, Aug 4