Xinhua Insight: Migrant workers make group debut at CPC congress (3)

<b>CONDITIONS IMPROVING</b>

In July, President Hu told a meeting of ministerial and provincial officials that the CPC must enhance its flesh-and-blood ties with the people, consolidate its power base and solve the most immediate problems concerning people's interests.

To consolidate its power base, Dai Yanjun, a professor of the Party School of the CPC Central Committee, said the CPC must involve more members of industrial workers in major policymaking so that it can improve their standing and expand their influence.

"There are thousands of migrant worker brothers and sisters out there. At the congress, I will make their voices heard and demands known," said Hong Gang, a deputy who works as a welder in Shanghai.

Kang Houming, a migrant worker deputy from southwest China's city of Chongqing, said he hopes to see the government step up efforts to provide equal access to education and health care for migrant workers.

Kang, who works for a road construction company, is one of three migrant workers elected to China's top legislature in 2008 and has been advocating equal education and health care access since.

The voices of Kang and other advocates have been heard by the government. It has rolled out a series of measures to improve conditions for migrant workers, helping them retrieve withheld wages and establishing a minimum wage mechanism.

Most viewed commentaries
China is no military threat despite commissioning of aircraft carrier	Overseas Chinese's participation in politics becomes irresistible trend	China’s path to democracy
Will U.S. security defense deployment make Asia safe?	Why the 18th CPC National Congress attracts global attention	Cancellation of Japan-U.S. joint drill does not mean showing weakness