The Zhejiang Provincial Department of Human Resources and Social Security published on July 29 the new standards for minimum wage that will take effect in the province starting from Aug 1.

The province's new minimum wage has three levels: 2,280 yuan ($353), 2,070 yuan, and 1,840 yuan, which are on average 13.1 percent higher than the previous three corresponding values.

The new minimum hourly wage for non-full-time jobs also has three levels: 22 yuan, 20 yuan, and 18 yuan.

All Zhejiang localities have been given the authority to adopt one of the three levels according to their own socioeconomic development status. They are required to publish the chosen standard later.

The standards for minimum salaries are applicable to legal employees of companies, individual businesses, government organizations, and social organizations in the province's jurisdiction. It is illegal for the aforementioned employers to pay their employees below the local standards for minimum salaries, in which case employees are entitled to lodge complaints with human resources and social security departments or proceed with mediation, arbitration, or legal action.