The Standing Committee of the provincial People's Congress of east China's Zhejiang Province Friday approved a local law on protecting the legitimate rights of laborers.
The law, entitled "Regulations on the Administration of Labor Market of Zhejiang Province," prohibits employers from levying illegal fees and any other activities that may infringe on the legitimate rights of the employees.
All the recruitment by local employers must get prior approval from the labor protection authorities, and employees must sign contracts, it says.
The law also has regulations for job agencies, saying that these organizations must have a registered capital of 50,000 yuan or more, employ at least three qualified staff members, get official licenses, make public their services and charges, and never give false information to job seekers.
Zhejiang is a well-developed coastal province in China. Most of its local laborers find work through labor markets and employment agencies.
(eastday.com December 29, 2001)