In terms of the monthly minimum wage standard, Shanghai ranks first nationwide with a standard of 2,740 yuan, while in terms of the hourly minimum wage standard, Beijing ranks first nationwide with a standard of 27.7 yuan.

A closer look at the news

What is the minimum wage standard? The minimum wage standard refers to the minimum labor remuneration that an employer is legally required to pay, provided that the worker has performed normal labor within statutory working hours or within the working hours stipulated in a legally signed labor contract. It generally takes two forms: the monthly minimum wage standard and the hourly minimum wage standard.

If a worker has performed normal labor within statutory working hours or within the working hours stipulated in a legally signed labor contract, and the wages paid by the employer to the worker are lower than the locally announced minimum wage standard, this constitutes an illegal act. If a worker fails to perform normal labor within statutory working hours or within the working hours stipulated in a legally signed labor contract for reasons attributable to the worker, the minimum wage standard payment provisions do not apply to their wages.

Does the minimum wage standard include social insurance contributions and overtime pay?

According to the Provisions on Minimum Wages, when a worker provides normal labor, the wages that the employer should pay to the worker must not be lower than the local minimum wage standard after excluding the following items: ▶️ Wages for extended working hours; ▶️ Allowances for special working environments and conditions such as middle shifts, night shifts, high temperatures, low temperatures, underground work, and toxic or harmful conditions; ▶️ Statutory worker welfare benefits stipulated by laws, regulations, and the state, among others.

Many regions stipulate that the minimum wage standard includes expenses paid by the worker personally for basic pension insurance, medical insurance, unemployment insurance, housing provident fund, and other items.

How can workers protect their rights if an employer violates the regulations?

If an employer violates the minimum wage standard payment regulations, workers may report and complain to the local human resources and social security department, or apply for mediation, arbitration, or file a lawsuit in accordance with the law.