At least five provinces, municipalities and cities have raised minimum wages in a move many believe is aimed at boosting migrant workers' salaries, the South China Morning Post reported. The increases went into effect from the start of the month in Guangdong, Shanghai, Zhejiang, Gansu and Liaoning's capital, Shenyang. State media reported that Guangdong, which has five categories of minimum wages, raised minimums across the board by about 17.8%, and quoted Guangdong authorities saying pay levels would apply to all firms in the province and compliance inspections would be carried out during the next two months. Guangdong Academy of Social Sciences economist Cheng Jiansan told the newspaper the increases could pinch finances at firms operating in the area, but would also would help to ease the labor shortage in Guangdong.
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