On October 23, 2023, the Beijing Municipal Human Resources and Social Security Bureau shared important updates regarding its five-month summer initiative aimed at eradicating wage arrears. As of the end of September, labor inspection agencies across the city had inspected 2,011 construction projects, impacting approximately 236,500 migrant workers. The initiative involved probing 6,706 companies and resulted in the resolution of 1,558 cases related to unpaid wages, ultimately recovering over 112 million yuan for 9,972 workers.
This initiative primarily targeted industries within the construction sector that are prone to issues with wage payments. The bureau responded to complaints from the public through thorough investigations and concentrated remedial actions. Particular attention was given to wage arrears in government-funded and state-owned enterprise projects, enhancing the role of such initiatives as models for eradicating unpaid wages throughout society. Projects identified with wage payment risks or previous non-payment cases underwent a dual investigation process, which examined both the payment of wages and the implementation of wage protection systems. Cases that met the criteria for formal proceedings were expedited, and penalties were imposed on entities refusing to fulfill their wage obligations.
From May to September this year, the bureau introduced a new concept by designating “Wage Assurance Projects” across the city and published a list of these projects on its official website. This initiative aimed to serve as a guiding example for local construction firms, encouraging them to integrate wage protection systems into their daily employment practices systematically. As a result, the management of wage payments for migrant workers is becoming more transparent and standardized within project companies.
Currently, 25 Wage Assurance Projects selected for 2024 have been publicly announced under the “Eradicate Wage Arrears in Action” section of the bureau’s website. These projects will experience reduced inspection frequencies from the human resources and social security department, alleviating some of the operational burdens on the companies involved. Leaders and wage specialists in these projects may receive priority consideration for various honors and commendations. However, if any of these projects face penalties related to unpaid wages or significant disruptions due to wage disputes, they will be removed from the list and barred from future selection for Wage Assurance Projects. Violating companies will face strict penalties. The initiative to recognize Wage Assurance Projects will continue annually moving forward.
