Employees work at a factory in Zhangjiagang, Suzhou, Jiangsu province. [Photo/zjgonline.com.cn]
Zhangjiagang, a county-level city in Suzhou, East China's Jiangsu province, introduced 10 measures on Jan 7 to encourage local companies to maintain operations during the upcoming festive period.
According to the action plan, the city offers 7 million yuan ($1,033,160) in subsidies to industrial enterprises above the designated scale that continue to operate during the Spring Festival holiday from Jan 21 to 27. Eligible enterprises can receive 500 yuan for each of their employees, with the total amount of subsidies for each company capped at 200,000 yuan.
The Zhangjiagang government has also encouraged companies to provide subsidies, improve the quality of meals, and organize entertainment activities to retain their staff during this period. Local delivery companies that have more than 60 percent of their employees stay in their posts, and online food delivery service providers that retain more than 80 percent of employees during the holiday can receive 300 yuan for each staff member.
Local government departments have been urged to provide benefits to migrant workers who stay in Zhangjiagang during the holiday. These benefits could range from sending gifts to staging shows and providing free access to scenic spots.
Companies that sign employment contracts lasting one year or longer with non-locals who work in Zhangjiagang for the first time from January to February will also receive 500 yuan in subsidies for each new hire.