The Chinese government is to take measures to try to raise the overall income of all employees in China. It will survey the salary increase of the workers in state owned enterprises first. The government says it is aiming at balancing out the fast growing GDP and cost of living with slowly increased salaries.

Many in the media are supportive of this decision, and ---share some of their thoughts.

Reporter:

One opinion from Ji'nan Daily says economic development should go hand in hand with social development. Enterprises should take responsibility for increasing the salary of their workers gradually. However, in reality some enterprises are neglecting this duty. The highly competitive labor market and lack of information further disadvantages workers. The opinion says profits are the only important thing most enterprises care about. So, they keep workers' salaries at a very low level.

Considering that situation they say the government and labor unions should try to make sure workers benefit from the growth of enterprises.

An article from the paper Modern Express says for the purpose of sustainable economic development, increasing the overall income of ordinary workers should be a priority in this country. The opinion says India has done a better job at this. The national salary has grown along with the rising GDP consistently and rapidly. Although China's GDP has grown more rapidly than India, the overall increase in its workers' income remains low. The overall salary of Chinese people is also characterized by great disparity among different industries, between management and grassroots worker, and discrimination against certain groups. The opinion says rich citizens make a rich and strong country. The government must work to improve the situation.

And another opinion from the Guangzhou Daily insists the overall income level of the people should reflect a country's economic development. It is what insures a healthy economy and a harmonious society. The opinion explains it will expand domestic demand and in return it will promote economic growth. Besides, the income gap will also be narrowed. It further points out that it's a basic requirement that the life of ordinary people should improve with economic development.