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

Employers should submit detailed reports to the ministry on payment of rural workers, explaining the cause of default, the sum and number of employees involved and make compensating budgets, said the ministry.

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

"Employers who viciously postpone or skimp payments would face punishments ranging from suspension of business to depriving them of operation 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 law.

The move will come to an end on Jan. 31 2008, about a week ahead of the Chinese Spring Festival when rural workers return home for family reunions.

(Xinhua News Agency November 1, 2007)