Authorities asked to probe migrant workers' wage delays

Nationwide labor, construction, public security and union authorities have been asked to carry out a two-month campaign to deal with wage delays for migrant workers.

According to a mandate released on Dec 13 by six ministry-level departments including the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, related authorities should cooperate to ensure that workers' wages are not delayed.

The campaign began on Nov 26 and will run through Jan 31.

Thorough inspections should be carried out at enterprises in sectors such as construction, manufacturing and accommodation that absorb a large number of migrant workers, according to the mandate.

Employers who have been found delaying workers' pay should also be targeted, it said.

Labor authorities are asked to fine violators according to labor rules, and public security departments should deal with those who maliciously delay workers' pay.

China has made malicious wage delay a crime.

Employers who maliciously delay workers' pay may also have their business operations suspended.

Authorities will also inspect cases of absence of pay or underpay of overtime.