Migrant workers expect to earn more than 1,100 yuan (US$137.5) a month this year, according to a survey released by China's Ministry of Labor and Social Security on Monday.

 

"The salary expectation varies according to workers' gender, age and education backgrounds," said the survey, which was conducted among 5,300 migrant workers from 48 counties of 25 provinces.

 

According to the survey, 79 percent of the respondents said that they would return to their previous jobs, but 21 percent said that they would seek a new job.

 

The survey also showed that 63 percent of the 2,606 businesses polled said they will raise the salaries of workers in 2006. The average monthly salary for an ordinary worker is expected to reach 949 yuan (US$118.6), higher than the previous year.

 

(Xinhua News Agency February 7, 2006)