The Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress on
Friday adopted a labor contract law.
The law, which will come into effect on Jan. 1, 2008, is
expected to improve protection of employees' legal rights following
the exposure of forced labor scandals in brick kilns in central and
north China.
Officials will face administrative penalties or criminal
prosecution for abusing their authority or neglecting their
responsibilities that result in serious harm to the interests of
workers, according to the law.
Lawmakers lambasted officials involved in the forced labor
scandals in north China's Shanxi Province and central China's Henan
Province during their deliberation of the draft.
The forced labor scandals made headlines in China 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.
(Xinhua News Agency June 29, 2007)