The assault follows on the heels of two other violent attacks on the DGZ Centre in October and November. 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 and is scheduled to take effect in January.

Take action now! Ensure that authorities condemn and investigate the violence, ensure the protection of civil groups and their staff, and assist the DGZ Centre in resuming operations.

Take action at: http://www.cleanclothes.org/urgent/07-12-13.htm

Sample Letter to Chinese authorities (addresses below)

Dear Sir/Madam:

I am writing to express my grave concern over recent attacks on the Dagongzhe (DGZ) Migrant Worker Centre and its staff. 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 that comes into effect in January. 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 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
Email: info@acftu.org.cn

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