Hike wages

The declining share of wages as a propor- tion of China's gross domestic product has necessitated the need for fresh regulation, especially in a country that is trying hard to embrace consumer-led growth.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security has, however, achieved little progress so far in drafting an amendment to the current wage regulation due to strong opposition from employers. Reportedly, the amendment, designed to help tilt income distribution in favor of workers, is unlikely to come into effect by year-end as had been expected.

Any delay in government efforts to arrest the downward spiral of wages as a proportion of the national GDP will certainly be disappointing.