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White collars envy 'high' migrant pay
By Xinhuanet |
December 6, 2012, Thursday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
ONLINE posts reveal that a plasterer earns 220 yuan (US$35) per day and a construction team leader earns 350 yuan, which has upset many professionals who wear white collars and earn less.
Official statistics show an average corporate employee earns just under 3,500 yuan a month, still far behind a plasterer.
Migrant construction workers' wages are well known in a society that is badly in need of construction workers. Many skilled workers are retiring. But few young people are willing to learn a skill and work with their hands.
As demand far exceeds supply, these workers are well worth their "high" pay.
In fact, what makes white collars envious is the money only. They don't want migrants' low status, poor living conditions and backbreaking work. As a matter of fact, few young urbanites are physically able to cope with migrants' exhausting work, even at double or quadruple the wages.
Many migrant workers also have problems in getting paid and many are owed back wages, which triggers quarrels and even brawls with supervisors. There are increasing reports of construction workers gathering in protest and demanding unpaid wages.
Authorities should improve migrants' working environment and focus on their rights. Only when their social status is elevated can we truly respect them.
Official statistics show an average corporate employee earns just under 3,500 yuan a month, still far behind a plasterer.
Migrant construction workers' wages are well known in a society that is badly in need of construction workers. Many skilled workers are retiring. But few young people are willing to learn a skill and work with their hands.
As demand far exceeds supply, these workers are well worth their "high" pay.
In fact, what makes white collars envious is the money only. They don't want migrants' low status, poor living conditions and backbreaking work. As a matter of fact, few young urbanites are physically able to cope with migrants' exhausting work, even at double or quadruple the wages.
Many migrant workers also have problems in getting paid and many are owed back wages, which triggers quarrels and even brawls with supervisors. There are increasing reports of construction workers gathering in protest and demanding unpaid wages.
Authorities should improve migrants' working environment and focus on their rights. Only when their social status is elevated can we truly respect them.
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