China will start a special salary inspection for rural workers, starting on Nov. 1, to safeguard their interests, according to sources with the Ministry of Labor and Social Security (MLSS).

Employers must submit detailed reports to the ministry regarding rural workers payment, explaining any defaults, the sum and number of employees involved and they must display compensating budgets, stated the ministry.

From Nov. 16, the Ministry of Construction, Ministry of Public Security and All China Federation of Trade Unions will join the MLSS to carry out a nationwide scrutiny of employers in key industries and regions, especially those who had reported defaults.

"Employers who viciously postpone or skimp payments are liable to punishments ranging from business suspension to depriving them of their operational licenses," said the official, adding those who fail to pay the minimum and overtime wages to rural workers would also be punished in accordance with the law.

The inspection will conclude on Jan. 31 2008, about a week ahead of the Chinese Spring Festival, the traditional time when rural workers return home for family reunions.

(Xinhua News Agency November 1, 2007)