China's top legislature on Friday announced that it received 191,849 suggestions from the public on the draft of its new labor contract law by April 20.

China's first specialized labor contract law was released in its full draft form for public comment on March 20.

"Within the past 30 days, the public has shown tremendous enthusiasm toward the draft," said Li Yuan, an official with the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, or the top legislature.

Li said over 65 percent of the suggestions were raised by ordinary workers.

China's current labor contract system was enacted 12 years ago. The new draft, if passed, will be the country's first law governing labor contract. It was submitted to the legislature for review last December.

Li said the public have offered good advice concerning the definition, form, and content of labor contracts, especially on wages, social security, short-term employment and unfair employment conditions.

He said there are many suggestions about the interests of migrant workers, free-lancers, part-time workers, and other people without secure jobs.

China's has sought public input on 13 laws including the law on property rights. The draft of labor contract law has received more suggestions than any of the others, the official said.

(Xinhua News Agency April 22, 2006)