Migrant workers see higher wages By Wang Ye (China Daily) Updated: 2006-02-14 06:13
Most migrant workers enjoyed wage increases in 2005 and the problem of
employers defaulting on salaries was alleviated, a survey has indicated.
According to the results of a poll released by the Ministry of Labour and
Social Security yesterday, employees at more than 60 per cent of companies
questioned saw an overall rise in their pay last year, with an average monthly
income standing at 1,045 yuan (US$130).
But the salaries varied according to areas of the country and the levels of
training workers received. Companies in Yangtze River Delta, Pearl River Delta
and the southeastern part of East China's Fujian Province offered higher pay
than average and the pay rise was mainly seen in the most skilled group.
Meanwhile, the government's efforts on dealing with migrant workers'
defaulted wages have produced an initial effect.
"In 2005, as much as 80 per cent of migrant workers were fully paid which
indicates the government has made some achievements in the problem," the
official analysis said.
A majority of the companies polled said they would keep raising migrant
workers' wages this year, even though the average income predicted by the
employers falls short of the 1,189 yuan (US$150) expected by the employees.
Firms said they are hiring more employees on local labour markets.
More than 80 per cent of employers said they planned to recruit more workers
in spring, and the number of positions will increase by 15 per cent over the
pre-Spring Festival period.
Most vacancies will be provided in construction, clothing, transportation and
domestic service industries.
The survey was conducted among more than 5,300 migrant workers and 2,600
companies in 25 provinces and the results were made public on a website overseen
by the ministry.
(China Daily 02/14/2006 page2)
|