Labor disputes down in Shanghai private firms

A report by the Shanghai Labor and Social Security Bureau released
yesterday indicated that the proportion of labor disputes in the city
involving private enterprises was down 11.7% during the first quarter
from the same period last year, representing the first drop in four
years. The proportion had increased by 20% in recent years, owing
mainly to the rapid proliferation of private companies during the
period, state media
reported. The decrease suggests that employers "now have a better
awareness of the labor law and pay more attention to employees'
rights," said Sui Wei, director of the bureau's arbitration division.
Most disputes revolved around wages, social insurance and contract
termination.