You May Get Paid for Shanghai’s Heatwave! Check Criteria→

You May Get Paid for Shanghai's Heatwave! Check Criteria

The intense heat in Shanghai has become an all-too-common phenomenon lately. Stepping outside for just five minutes can leave you drenched in sweat for hours.

As the mercury rises, so do questions about the high-temperature allowance—an essential financial relief provided to workers enduring these harsh conditions. If you're curious about the specifics of Shanghai's high-temperature allowance standards and how they apply, here's a detailed breakdown of what you need to know:

High-Temperature Allowance in Shanghai

Issuance Period:

The high-temperature allowance is issued annually from June 1st to September 30th.

Eligibility Criteria:

Employers are required to pay a summer high-temperature allowance to workers who are engaged in outdoor work from June to September or if they cannot reduce the workplace temperature below 33°C (excluding 33°C). 

For situations where the nature of the workplace makes it difficult to determine eligibility, companies should establish a reasonable issuance plan based on actual circumstances, possibly through collective wage negotiations.

Allowance Standard:

The allowance is set at 300 RMB per month.

Issuance Rules:

Employers can distribute the allowance monthly or provide it in a lump sum in advance.

Important Reminders

When temperatures reach 38°C or higher, companies that cannot meet the extreme heat conditions for safe working environments—except those in critical industries related to national economy, public safety, and basic public services—may adopt measures like halting work and ensuring rest periods as necessary.

What should you do if your employer fails to issue the summer high-temperature allowance?

If an employer does not provide the high-temperature allowance as required, workers have the right to report this to the Human Resources and Social Security Department or seek labor dispute arbitration according to the law. Additionally, local human resources departments and labor unions will intensify inspections to ensure that companies comply with all regulations and protect workers' rights.

Can Employers Substitute the Allowance with Cooling Drinks?

No, they cannot. The regulations clearly state that employers must continue to provide cooling drinks at the workplace even while issuing the high-temperature allowance. In hot environments, the body loses significant amounts of water and essential electrolytes like potassium and sodium through sweating, which can lead to imbalances in water and salt metabolism. Replenishing these losses with sufficient salty beverages is necessary.

Providing cooling drinks such as salted soda or mung bean soup is a necessary part of occupational health and safety. However, substituting these drinks for the high-temperature allowance is not permitted. According to regulations, employers must both issue the high-temperature allowance and provide cooling drinks at the worksite—they are not interchangeable.

Source: 上海人力资源和社会保障

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