Have migrant workers helping construct the “New Beijing” had their rights protected?
Generally, no. Human Rights Watch is concerned about evidence that suggests the rights of many of the hundreds of thousands of migrant workers employed on construction sites across China are being violated. Many migrant workers on construction projects in Beijing are routinely unpaid for the work they do, don’t receive legally-mandated benefits including labor insurance and days off, are often compelled to do dangerous work without adequate safeguards, and are subject to instant dismissal for challenging the denial of their legally-guaranteed rights. Human Rights Watch urges the Chinese government to fully enforce its domestic and international labor rights obligations to ensure that migrant workers employed in the massive Beijing construction campaign that’s transforming Beijing’s skyline ahead of the 2008 Olympic Games are not cheated or put in harm’s way by employers who fail to respect their rights. Human Rights Watch is also urging all Olympic sponsors and partners to ensure that
