(China) Union calls for regular wage rises

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2008-03/15/content_6538697.htm

By Fu Jing (China Daily)
Updated: 2008-03-15 08:46

National union leaders said on Friday they will strive to secure regular pay rises for workers across the country to counter the effects of surging consumer prices.

Zhang Mingqi, vice-chairman of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions (ACFTU), said it has been working with government departments on a mechanism to ensure stable pay rises for workers so they can benefit from the country's economic boom.

A recent survey by the federation found that more than 26 percent of China's workers had not received a pay rise in the past five years, despite the economy growing at an averaged 10.6 percent annually.

"We are trying to bring pay rises in line with economic growth," Zhang told China Daily.

"Trade unions should speak up for workers and protect their rights."

China's inflation surged to a 12-year high of 8.7 percent last month, and people across the country, especially those on low incomes, have felt the strain.

FULL story at link.