The DGZ Worker Centre and its staff have been brutally attacked for educating workers about the new Labour Contract Law.

The DGZ Worker Centre after it was attacked

In November 2007, Huang Qingnan of the Dagongzhe (DGZ) Migrant Worker Centre in Shenzhen, China was seriously injured after being stabbed by two unidentified men. The assault followed on the heels of two other violent attacks on the DGZ Centre. The Centre provides a free library, labour law education and free legal consultation to migrant workers in Shenzhen. It is suspected that the Centre is being targeted for its recent efforts to raise awareness about the new Labour Contract Law, which requires better employment conditions for workers.

2008 update:
DGZ Migrant Worker Centre Reopens

Take action now to ensure that authorities condemn and investigate the violence, ensure the safety of all civil groups and their staff and assist the DGZ Centre in resuming its important work.

SAMPLE LETTER

Dear Sir/Madam:

I am writing to express my grave concern over the attacks on the Dagongzhe (DGZ) Migrant Worker Centre and its staff in the fall of 2007. The Centre, located in Shenzhen, is a valuable resource, providing a free library, labour law education and free legal consultation to migrant workers. In recent months it has been involved in raising awareness of the new Labour Contract Law. As you probably know, the law affords better employment protection for workers.

On 11 October and 14 November 2007, a group of unknown and unidentified people came to destroy the properties of the DGZ Centre. On 20 November, staff member Huang Qingnan was seriously injured and remains in serious condition after being stabbed by two unidentified men.

The violent campaign against the DGZ Centre warrants your immediate attention. It is of critical importance that you publicly condemn and investigate the attacks, particularly the assault on Huang Qingnan. In addition, I urge you to provide Huang Qingnan with appropriate medical treatment and rehabilitation and help the DGZ Centre fully resume its work. Finally, I ask that you implement the national policy to maintain harmonious labour relations and improve the protection of civil groups and their staff in order to prevent violence and maintain public security.

Sincerely,

Addresses:

Mayor Xu Zhongheng
Shenzhen City Government
People's Republic of China
Fax: (86)-755-82002880
E-mail: xuzh@sz.gov.cn

President Hu Jintao
Zhongnanhai, Xicheng District,
Beijing City 100017
People's Republic of China
By fax: (86)10-64729863 or:
By email: minister@legalinfo.gov.cn

Premier Wen Jiabao
The State Council
9 Xihuangcheng Genbeijie
Beijingshi 100032
People's Republic of China
Fax: +86 10 65292345 (c/o Ministry of Communication)
Email: gazette@mail.gov.cn

All China Federation of Trade Unions
Address: 10 Fuxingmenwai Street, Beijing
People's Republic of China
Post Code: 100865
Chairman: Wang Zhaoguo

Shenzhen City ACFTU General Union
Address: Gonhui Building,
100 7 Shangbu Road Central,
Futian District, Shenzhen City
People's Republic of China
Post Code: 518031
Chairperson: Wang Xinjian