The other day while having coffee with a friend, I was shocked when she admitted that she hated migrant workers (she has had a wallet stolen recently). In Shanghai, I wish it were different, but that attitude is one that many have, and that is why it is so good to see that other cities were celebrating the efforts and sacrifices made by these workers.

China has held its first Migrant Workers’ Day in an effort to increase respect to a group of people largely responsible for infrastructure and catering industry in the country’s booming cities. Chongqing Municipality in the country’s southwest hosted a ceremony and festival for more than four million migrant workers based in the city. On the first Migrant Workers’ Day, Chongqing Municipality organized a series of events meant to improve migrant workers’ lives, including career service, legal consultation, sport, and free performances.

Not sure what the festivities looked like, but I am sure that a day of rest would have been appreciated.