China will start a special salary inspection for rural workers,
starting on Nov. 1, to safeguard their interests, according to
sources with the Ministry of Labor and Social Security (MLSS).
Employers must submit detailed reports to the ministry regarding
rural workers payment, explaining any defaults, the sum and number
of employees involved and they must display compensating budgets,
stated the ministry.
From Nov. 16, the Ministry of Construction, Ministry of Public
Security and All China Federation of Trade Unions will join the
MLSS to carry out a nationwide scrutiny of employers in key
industries and regions, especially those who had reported
defaults.
"Employers who viciously postpone or skimp payments are liable
to punishments ranging from business suspension to depriving them
of their operational licenses," said the official, adding those who
fail to pay the minimum and overtime wages to rural workers would
also be punished in accordance with the law.
The inspection will conclude on Jan. 31 2008, about a week ahead
of the Chinese Spring Festival, the traditional time when rural
workers return home for family reunions.
(Xinhua News Agency November 1, 2007)