An official from the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), China's top economic planner, on Monday emphasized providing legal protection to workers' rights to rest and vacation, vowing to prohibit the unlawful extension of employees' working hours.
China on Sunday issued a plan on special initiatives to increase consumption, aiming to stimulate domestic demand across the board, and increase spending power by raising earnings and reducing financial burdens.
At a press briefing introducing the plan, Li Chunlin, deputy director of the NDRC, highlighted the supportive policies from various sectors to protect the legal rights of workers, strengthen consumer willingness to spend, and address prominent constraints on consumption.
"Boosting consumption requires coordinated policy efforts from various sectors. The plan mentions that the fiscal, financial, industrial, investment, and other economic and social policies should all reflect a consumption-oriented direction. This includes substantial financial investments including project investments, government funds, funding for trade union and subsidies for product purchases. Additionally, relevant supportive policies are also needed, such as evaluating the consistency of macro policy orientations, credit financing, reforming the statistics system, and ensuring the rights to rest and vacation," said Li.
"For example, in response to problems such as the widespread concerns over 'the overtime work culture,' the plan specifically proposes measures to protect workers' rights to rest and vacation. These measures include strictly implementing the paid annual leave system through supervision and making it clear to prohibit the unlawful extension of working hours. Meanwhile, the plan also encourages flexibility in arranging holidays, and the practice of offering spring and autumn breaks in primary and secondary schools in areas with the right conditions," said Li.
China to regulate 'overtime work culture': official
China to regulate overtime working culture: official
