Xinjiang locals answer questions from reporters

Question 5: Could we ask some ethnic minority employees to talk about their experiences of finding jobs please? Do they sign labor contracts with their employers and are their legitimate rights protected?

Answer: Hello, my name is Aziz Rehit, and I'm 38 years old. I come from Shaya county of Aksu prefecture. I now work at an agricultural machinery company.

In August 2018, I saw the recruitment information of an agricultural machinery company at Shaya County's human resource market. Considering that it offered really good pay and was not far from my home, I applied for it. The first thing we did after I passed the job interview was signing the labor contract. According to the contract, the company is responsible for paying the "five insurances and one pension" for us, namely, endowment insurance, medical insurance, unemployment insurance, work injury insurance, maternity insurance (for female employees) and housing provident fund. It has also bought extra commercial insurance for us. In addition to salaries, bonus will be given on special occasions. For instance, during this year's Corban Festival, the company gave us benefit packages of daily necessities, including lamb and beef, rice, flour and cooking oils.

Starting from a front-line worker at the beginning, I asked for help and seek advice from my colleagues who were always patient to share the experience dealing with various problems. I participated in professional training organized by our company every month. On account of my good cultural background knowledge, coupled with hard work, my work ability and personal performance have been improved quickly. In March 2019, I was promoted as the workshop leader with 6,000 yuan income per month.

Our company implements an eight-hour work system, and we can have a good rest on weekends and holidays. The company organizes employees to travel to surrounding counties and cities every six months. Employees with more than one-year service can enjoy paid annual leave, and some of my colleagues took vocation in Hainan last year. The company provides four-person dormitories for free for those who are new to work or whose house is far away from the company. What's more, our company also provides couples turnover rooms with all household appliances including TVs, showers, and paid water and electricity subsidies for employees, which makes life convenient. Our company set up a halal restaurant especially for us, which has strict limits on the procurement of ingredients, cooking, cleaning, and disinfection of table ware. The meals are hygienic and delicious.

My life has changed a lot since I joined the workforce in this company. This year I bought myself a car and a TV, washing machine, refrigerator and other household appliances for my parents. Currently, I am very satisfied with my job and plan to continue to work here.