The 'Laborer's Harbor' Provides City Workers with Breakfast and Respite

Chongqing- Resting your feet when tired, a glass of water when thirsty, and a hot meal when cold; in Chongqing's Liangjiang New Area, sanitation workers can even enjoy free breakfast at the "Laborer's Harbor".

The purpose of setting up the "Laborer's Harbor" is to show respect and care for laborers. It has become a warm home for more and more workers.

Constructing the "Laborer's Harbor" was written into the Chongqing municipal government work report for the first time in 2020. It was also included in the key practical work goals and tasks of people's livelihood in 2021 and 2022.

An overview of the city of Chongqing up to the Nanshan mountain. (iChongqing/ Vivian Yan)

Over 920 "Laborer's Harbors"

Shu Liangwei, director of the City Appearance Department of the Chongqing Municipal Administration, introduced that the construction of "Laborer's Harbor" is guided by the actual needs of outdoor workers such as sanitation workers and takeaway clerks, focusing on core urban areas such as business districts, stations, and residential areas.

In addition to basic service facilities like refrigerators, kettles, thermos, tables, and chairs, some "harbors" are also equipped with medical boxes, book corners, audio-visual equipment, showers, and other facilities.

"I feel the respect and care of society for us," said Luo Taiqiong, a sanitation worker.

Located in the downtown area of Beibin Road, the "harbor" under the Huanghuayuan Bridge in Jiangbei District is where he often goes during rest time. The small "harbor" has not only electrical appliances but also provides daily necessities such as magazines, medicines, and umbrellas.

"I can also take a rest on the sofa after lunch," said Luo. "It makes me feel at home."

Statistics show that, up to now, more than 920 "Laborer's Harbors" have been built and opened around the city.

"Laborer's Harbor" in the Jiulongpo District, Chongqing. (Photo/ Chongqing Municipal Administration)

362 Laborer's Harbor to be built in 2022

The continuous construction of the "Laborer's Harbor" has been upgraded to become more convenient for people’s lives.

In April 2022, the Chongqing Municipal Administration, and the Chongqing Municipal Trade Union Federations issued the 2022 Implementation Plan for the Construction of Laborer's Harbor Demonstration Sites. 

The plan stated that a modern and multi-functional comprehensive sanitation facility should be built through the platform of "Laborer's Harbor."

In the upgraded "harbor" under the implementation, Xiong Yuanqi, a sanitation worker who had finished her work, was having breakfast with colleagues for free. Xiong is 50 years old now and has been working in sanitation for 17 years.

"Take breakfast as an example. In the past, we all cooked at home and got up at about 4 am," said Xiong. "Now, with free breakfast, we can not only rest for a while but also save some living expenses."

This year, Chongqing will build 362 "Laborer's Harbor" demonstration sites to expand service scope further, enrich service content and improve service level.

A glass of water was given to a sanitation worker at "Laborer's Harbor" in China Construction Bank. (Photo/ China Construction Bank)

(Wang Yuxuan, as an intern, also contributed to this report.)