Migrant workers in the capital of Zhejiang Province will be able to enjoy equal working and living conditions to those of locals by 2010.

The local government is aiming to give migrant workers parity in areas such as punctual payment of salaries, provision of shelter, access to education for children, social security entitlements and union membership, according to a blueprint released by the Hangzhou municipal government last week.

The city now has 6.5 million permanent residents and more than 1.21 million farmers-turned-labourers.

A wage payment system for migrant workers will be established in the city by 2010 to prevent default; which is now the biggest problem for Chinese migrant workers, said the statement.

Farmers-turned-labourers will be included in the local social security network. The healthcare programmes under the system will cover over 50 per cent of the migrant workers in the city and industrial injury insurance will embrace 90 per cent.

Over 70 per cent of qualified workers in this group will become trade union members, which will enhance their political status and better protect their rights.

Party members among the migrant workers will also be included in the Party organizations of local enterprises or communities.

Those migrants that have lived in urban areas of Hangzhou for more than seven years, have a household and hold a stable job will be granted permanent resident status in the city.

The problem of migrant children's schooling will also be settled by 2010 with all qualified children allowed to attend school, said the blueprint.

Jiang Yanjun, 32, a migrant construction worker in Hangzhou, feels happy that the city is gradually becoming his second hometown, especially since hearing the news that he will be treated as a permanent citizen.

"Maybe I could realize my dream of being a real city citizen. I've been here for six years," said Jiang, who was busy carrying bricks at a construction site yesterday in Hangzhou.

Jiang said life in Hangzhou is "much better" than a few years ago when his family were renting a small house in the city.

"The best thing is that my daughter can go to school this semester without paying extra fees," said Jiang, who pointed out that this was his main reason for staying in Hangzhou.

"I will be glad to join the insurance system and trade union because they will protect us," said Jiang.

A recent survey of 100 migrant workers in Hangzhou revealed that more than 50 per cent feel isolated because they cannot count on the support of local communities. More than 20 per cent said their major concern is health and safety at work.

(China Daily September 12, 2005)