On 16 March, just a few days after the close of the annual Two Sessions meetings, a major political event bringing together the two houses of parliament, the Chinese government announced some 30 measures constituting a vast "special action plan" to stimulate consumer spending. Several provisions aim to better protect labour law and employment conditions.
The Chinese government’s plan focuses first on increasing workers’ incomes. It promises to raise minimum wages and improve training systems for specialised professions. Local governments are responsible for promoting “reasonable income growth” (without further clarification), particularly in key sectors, in order to reduce income disparities between urban and rural areas. At the same time, the protection of workers’ rights will have to be strengthened, particularly with regard to paid leave...
Do you have information to share with us?
Article authors
Éric Sautedé
Freelance