Their hours are not unusual. Workers in these factories typically receive only two regular rest days per month. Generally, they work overtime for four consecutive nights, with no overtime for the fifth night. Workers receive two regular days off a month. They work on statutory public holidays and during festivals, except for the mid-autumn festival and the Lunar New Year.
Wages vary by factory, and especially by worker, since many are paid by piece rate.
Overtime wages are sometimes as low as 5 cents an hour, though they are required by law to be a minimum of 37 cents an hour. Workers often do not receive even the paltry wages they earn, as employers impose a series of strict and arbitrary penalties, fines and improper deductions. Wiebledon Services Co. in Dongguan will fine a worker 50 cents for being one minute late. The company withholds 10 percent of the workers' monthly salaries. If a worker leaves the factory before the year is up, the company confiscates the 10 percent holding.