High-temperature subsidies are now in demand as thermometers in Beijing, Hebei, Tianjin and Shandong Provinces reach a reading of 40 degrees Celsius.
This kind of assistance is often offered to workers whose jobs are outdoors, with specific temperature of 35 C and above. Those with indoor works, with temperature above 33 C, can also avail the subsidy.
China's labor authorities are the ones who set local subsidy standards.
For this summer, at least 28 provinces, regions and cities, have set standards. Jiangxi Province workers have a subsidy worth 240 yuan per month, which can be availed from June until September.
However, many employers said that they don't have such assistance in spite of the urge from China's central government to fully implement the said subsidies.
In a forum.xinhuanet.com poll, over 93 percent said that they don't get high-temperature subsidies, while 4 percent said that they received it afterwards, and only 2 percent stated that they already received the subsidy.
Reports from employees themselves confirmed this. A SINOPEC branch staff member surnamed Liu said that for the last two years, the high-temperature subsidy for them has been cut.
A Zhejiang Province-based employee stated that annually, he only receives beverages instead of cash.
Meanwhile, Zhang Hui of an advertising firm in Shanghai said that she receives hers, however, the standard should be adjusted.