Changchun mayor meets press at chinadaily.com.cn
(chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2005-03-08 21:26

[sohu:] There are sizable outdated state-owned enterprises (SOEs) that are confronted with a heavy burden of laid-off workers. What does the city plan to do to improve employment? Where does the crux of the problem lie?

[Mr Mayor:] The proper placement of laid-off workers is at the top of local SOEs’ reform agenda. There are more than 100,000 workers involved in over 230 local SOEs. We have to assure a 70% plus employment rate during the reforming process.

[Mr Mayor:] For those laid-off, various preferential policies and related measures are employed to help them get reemployed. For instance, tax exemptions are granted to business units that bring in the laid-offs and small loans to laid-off workers to start their own business. There are also various training programs and free job agencies especially for them. For those people middle-aged-and-above, the local government provides job opportunities in aid. Under this social-helping umbrella most of the laid-off workers have returned to working posts. For the rest still unemployed we offer a minimum living allowance and insurance to secure them a sustaining life.