CRI听力：China Builds National Mechanism to Warn Labor Disputes

China plans to build a national mechanism to warn against labor disputes, hoping to reverse this increasing trend. The mechanism encourages employers and employees to use mediation as a way to solve disputes.

CRI's Lin Lin has more.

Reporter:

The warning mechanism aims to avoid possible labor disputes, or reduce them to a lower level. Such disputes have been increasing at an annual rate of 20 percent in recent years.

The mechanism focuses more on preventing problems than solving them, trying to identify disputes at an early stage, so that they won't go to arbitration and into the legal system.

Liu Jichen, head of the legal affairs department of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions, says the warning mechanism will tackle frequent problems caused by disputes.

"There are many kinds of employee interest violations, such as working extra hours without payment, not been paid for a long period, and some other unreasonable regulations. We are hoping to avoid such problems from happening through the warning mechanism, which could give us experience in doing this."

The official says the federation, which is taking charge of the task, has instigated many policies across the country to implement the mechanism.

They urge employers to continue their important role in this regard, establishing departments in charge of dispute resolution, they will collect information, engage in positive negotiation and finally solve problems.

In addition to the efforts of enterprises, the new policy also suggests that local areas should build stronger mediation networks, which include not only enterprises, but also community groups and professionals.

Up until the end of last year, there were nearly 300,000 such mediation units in China, with over 1 million professional mediators working on labor disputes.

Experts say mediation is more flexible and much cheaper than arbitration and legal procedures, clearly the most convenient way to solve labor disputes. Mediation can also resolve problems in a much shorter period of time, which is beneficial to social stability and the harmony between employers and employees.

Qu Xuehui is one such person who appreciates the harmony. As the human resource manager of the Raffles Beijing Hotel, she says the mechanism is a reminder for everybody to notice potential risks.

"Problems should be paid attention to at the very beginning, it's too late when they turn into disputes. According to my experience, most problems can be curbed at an early stage. 'The mystery lies in the respect and care for employees. If this can be done on a regular basis, problems will not become worse. What happens often is that the employer and employee do not have regular and sensible communication, meaning they went to court when disputes occurred."

In addition to the mechanism, a new law on labor contracts will come into effect next year. Such efforts are providing better cover for employers, a better working environment for employees, and stronger protection of everybody's rights.

Lin Lin, CRI News.