Guangzhou Municipal Government announced on September 11 the Hi-temperature-work Allowance (HTW Allowance) for staff increases across Guangzhou. It evokes citywide concerns and controversy.

It is regulated each companies' employees will be entitled to 100-150 Yuan (13 – 20 USD ) for allowance per month in this summer-heat haunted subtropical provincial capital.

All the interviewed employees are happy with the rise. Mr. Su, a HR manager of a local logistics company, said his colleagues are excited with the monthly rise of some 80 Yuan (10.6 USD). But they are worried if the allowance can be really paid.

He, however, is also concerned of the HR cost increase as much as 240,000 Yuan (31,600 USD) for his company of more than 10,000 people per month.

The HTW Allowance is a part of employment remuneration subject to corporate obligation within a time limit, a local official said. Those employers who fail to pay in time are liable to pay compensation while the victim employees can file complaints to labor authorities.

It will arouse controversy that it is not specified in the regulation whether or not the allowance is paid in cash or in kind, according to a HR consultant.

(By Ronald Li)