Officials sacked over Shanxi slavery scandal
17 July 2007
The Shanxi Provincial Party Discipline Committee expelled 33 officials and issued 62 disciplinary warnings to others for failing to carry out their duties in the forced labor scandal in north Shanxi last month, state media reported. The members punished were low-level officials, while higher-level county officials were found innocent. Labor issues have been in the news lately. Beginning January 1 next year, a new labor contract law will come into effect, making it more difficult for employers to fire staff and giving workers more rights.