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Four migrant worker couples sit in their shelters made out of plastic sheeting, at a road construction site in Chongqing, China on March 5, 2008. China Photos/Getty Images
Every year, Beijing reiterates its commitment to combat wage arrears affecting migrant workers, particularly around Labor Day (May 1). Despite these assurances, experts believe the persisting issue underscores deeper systemic challenges within the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) ’s governance.
Rights Vs. Stability
The recently released 2023 annual survey on migrant workers, the 16th such report since 2008 by the Chinese National Bureau of Statistics, paints a picture of a workforce of 297.53 million, with an average age of 43.1 years. Among them, individuals aged 50 and above make up 30.6 percent. Across six key industries, monthly earnings range from 3,965 yuan ($548) in household services to 5,488 yuan ($759) in construction.
