<b>HARDSHIPS REMAIN</b>
Despite being represented within both the CPC and the state, securing a decent life remains a struggle for many migrant workers.
Migrant workers are a group that has emerged along with China's economic rise since market reforms took place over 30 years ago. As China urbanized and industrialized, huge labor demand and opportunities in cities drew millions of farmers to leave their homes, creating a massive labor force that turned China into the world's factory.
Although they get higher pay in the cities, the migrants' living conditions stand in stark contrast to most urban dwellers. According to a report issued by the National Population and Family Planning Commission this year, the majority of migrant workers live in temporary sheds, receive low pay, work long hours, have no insurance of any kind and are unable to enroll their children in public schools.
Finding it hard to establish a footing in cities, they migrate between their home villages and the cities, bringing a travel rush around the time of the annual Chinese New Year holiday, during which a tidal wave of millions of migrant workers attempt to return home by train.
Sixteen years of working in Beijing and being a CPC congress deputy have not brought Ren a Beijing-based "hukou," or residence registration that brings benefits like education and health care. He earns less than 2,000 yuan (158 U.S. dollars) a month.
"Every migrant worker wants to lead an urban life. Our toil is all for our family. This is particularly true for the new generation of migrant workers. However, a city life is not something we can just have if we want. It depends on many things," said Ren.
Landmark building should respect the public's feeling
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