|
 Printer-Friendly Version
OPA News Release: [06/22/2004]
Contact Name: Lisa
Kruska
Phone Number: (202) 693-4676
U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao and USDOL
Delegation Meet with Chinese Academic Experts to Discuss Chinese Labor
Laws
Four-Day Trip of
High-Ranking U.S. Labor Department Officials Highlights Expanded Effort to
Strengthen Worker Protections
BEIJING—U.S. Secretary
of Labor Elaine L. Chao and a delegation of high-level U.S. Labor Department
officials met today with five Chinese experts to discuss the status of labor
law and worker protections in China. The discussion focused on the
implementation of internationally recognized core labor standards and other
labor issues in China.
Through a $4.1 million grant, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) is
already collaborating with Chinese officials in the development of
The Rule of Law Project. The rapid
growth of private investment in China’s economy during the past ten years
has far outpaced the development of mechanisms to manage a wide range of new
workplace issues. In response, U.S. DOL, through a consortium of implementing
organizations, is assisting the Ministry of Labor and Social Security in China
to more effectively address issues in a market economy.
“This meeting underscores the high priority that the U.S.
Department of Labor places on its ongoing efforts to work with China to promote
internationally recognized core labor standards,” said U.S. Secretary of
Labor Elaine L. Chao. “This project is an important step in advancing this
goal.”
The Rule of Law Project goals include: enhancing the
government’s capacity to develop laws and regulations that are consistent
with internationally recognized labor standards; promoting greater awareness of
national labor laws that already meet international standards among Chinese
workers and employers; strengthening the capacity of the government to prevent
and resolve labor conflicts; enhancing legal aid services to workers and
migrant laborers; and providing services through governmental and
non-governmental organizations.
In addition to the $4.1 million Rule of Law grant, DOL is working with
the Chinese State Administration for Work Safety through a $2.3 million grant
made in late 2002 to enhance Mine Safety and Health in China.
# # #
_________________________________________________________________
| 
