Challenges faced by migrant workers in the market Hukou system

many rural migrants find work laborers in cities

with loosening of restrictions on migration in 1980s came large influx of rural residents seeking better opportunities in cities. however, these migrant workers have had confront number of challenges in pursuit of financial security. urban residents received priority on migrants when came employment opportunities, , when migrant workers did find jobs, tend positions little potential growth. while urban workers supported employment benefits , laws favored them on employers in case of disputes, rural hukou holders not privy such substantial protections. , because city officials’ performance evaluated based on prosperity of local residents , local economy, had little motive improve quality of life of migrant workers.

in 2008, central government passed labor contract law, guaranteed equal access jobs, established minimum wage, , required employers provide contracts full-time employees included employment benefits. however, 2010 study revealed rural workers earned 40% less urban workers, , 16% receive employment benefits. migrant workers’ labor rights violated – work excessively long hours in poor conditions, , face physical , psychological harassment.

migrant workers disproportionately affected wage arrears, occurs when employers either fail pay employees on time or in full. although such incidences technically illegal , punishable 7 years’ jail time, wage arrears still occur, , labor contracts , pensions may disregarded. in study conducted @ end of 1990s, 46% of migrant workers missing 3 or more months of pay, , workers hadn’t been paid in decade. fortunately, on past couple of decades prevalence of wage arrears have decreased, , in study conducted 2006-2009, found 8% of migrant workers had experienced wage arrears.