The Ministry of Labor and Social Security Thursday publicized on
its website a special regulation on minimum wage that is the first
of its kind in China.
The regulation, to take effect March 1, divides wages into two
types, one monthly and the other hourly, respectively applying to
full-time and non full-time workers.
The monthly minimum wage should take into account factors such
as a worker and his dependents' minimum living cost, the urban
resident consumption price index, social security and housing
accumulation fund fees, average salary, economic development level
and employment situation.
The hourly minimum wage should take into account the local
monthly minimum wage, retirement pension and medical insurance
fees, working conditions and intensity, work stability and welfare
of non part-time workers, according to the regulation.
Different standards between areas within a single province,
municipality or autonomous region are allowed.
Provincial-level labor and social security authorities should be
responsible for setting and adjusting the minimum wage standard,
deciding its application and related explanations.
The authority should consult local trade unions, enterprise
unions or entrepreneur associations when setting the minimum wage
standard and report it to the labor ministry, according to the
regulation.
Employers who violate the regulation would be ordered to
compensate for back pay and possibly receive administrative
sanctions.
(Xinhua News Agency February 7, 2004)