The first association in China to defend the legitimate interests of migrant laborers has been recently established in Nanbu County of southwest China's Sichuan Province.
Sponsored by the local government, the Nanbu County Migrant Laborers Association is open to all rural laborers and provides services such as employment guidance, legal consultation and emergency assistance.
Branch offices will be established in all villages and townships of the county and no member dues are required.
Every year, some 400,000 laborers in the county go to other areas of China and more than 10 countries to find jobs.
(Xinhua News Agency June 28, 2003)
