China’s Supreme People’s Procuratorate has launched a comprehensive judicial campaign to combat wage arrears and strengthen legal protections for migrant workers. The recently issued directive establishes rigorous protocols for prosecuting malicious wage default crimes while creating mechanisms to ensure vulnerable workers receive prioritized compensation.
The new framework mandates immediate case supervision when evidence of wage violations emerges, integrating arrears recovery into broader criminal crackdowns. Prosecutors will employ plea bargaining systems to incentivize prompt payment, ensuring migrant workers obtain full and timely compensation. The notice specifically enhances enforcement supervision for already-adjudicated cases, guaranteeing that victorious plaintiffs actually receive awarded payments.
Judicial authorities will prioritize high-risk sectors including construction, food delivery platforms, and sanitation services where wage delays frequently occur. The directive introduces stricter penalties for fraudulent wage claims during bankruptcy proceedings while strengthening oversight of administrative litigation processes.
Notably, the policy distinguishes between malicious non-payment and arrears caused by genuine operational difficulties, seeking to balance worker protections with sustainable business development. Prosecutors will facilitate negotiated settlements for mutually agreeable payment plans when appropriate.
The initiative incorporates wage protection into public interest litigation frameworks and leverages big data analytics for systemic governance improvements. Procuratorates must actively respond to public complaints while providing judicial assistance to vulnerable workers through individualized case resolution.