Similar frauds frequently happen across the country. For example, migrant workers were swindled into working for a shell company and were then fired after several days. In other cases, workers who were allegedly employed as machine operators ended up delivering flyers on the street.

In some regions, job agencies fall under labor authorities. But it is urban management departments that directly deal with unlicensed labor intermediaries. The redundant administrative structure makes it possible for many unqualified organizations to operate beyond their approved business scopes.

Labor authorities should hold more job fairs. They should also offer job information at railway and bus stations where migrant workers often gather. Besides, it's necessary to strengthen the regulation of the job market and intensify the crackdown on unlicensed intermediaries. This is the only way to save migrant workers from being cheated.

The Beijing News

Paid Leave Not a Luxury

A member of the Guangdong Provincial Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, the local advisory body, recently suggested that labor authorities suspend the paid leave policy within the province so as to help crisis-hit local businesses reduce operational costs. At a time when staff downsizing is common, paid leave does seem to be a luxury. However, it's improper to always sacrifice employees' welfare benefits whenever the economy is in trouble.

Paid leave is beneficial for both employees and employers. After having a good rest, employees will work more energetically. Although the absolute work time shortens, the work efficiency improves.

It's wrong to take it for granted that giving up welfare benefits will help save jobs. In reality, not all downsizing companies had thoroughly implemented the paid leave policy, and not all companies that implemented this policy are slashing jobs. As long as a company is operating efficiently, paid leave will never be a problem. On the contrary, if a company does not make efforts to raise its capacity to survive competition, even if its employees work around the clock all year round, the economic headache will still exist.

Guangzhou Daily