company not paying wages

Wonder if anyone has had similar experience and might know what to do. A friend is working with a Guangzhou based company. Four months into the employment, the company has not paid him a dime. He's rented an apartment for which he's been paying out of pocket and he has gotten no reimbursement from the employer so far. His contract (not sure if it had any legal effect - it's governed by PRC law, signed with the chairman/owner of the company, did stipulate his salary and perks). Top brass is saying that his salary is too high, cf other local employees. He was offered employment on expat terms. Apparently, his employer is reneging on its promise and trying to get his agreement to have his salary reduced and perks taken away. He offered to go but the company would not agree as they needed his services. Where do people in China go when they have an employment issue like this? Is there no law to ensure employers honour their contractual obligations? He feels like he's stuck between a rock and a hard place. He wants to at least get paid for the months he has worked and reimbursed the rent liability he has incurred but if he leaves now, he may end up getting nothing as he wouldn't know how to pursue a claim against the company if he leaves China.

frankly, i would not rely on the law anyway.


my personal suggestion: agree to the lower salary, get paid for the 4 months (to at least get some money) and then quit right away/walk away

I've got a buddy who is an expert on Chinese employment law... expensive, but might be worth a conversation - can pm me to get his contact info.

Does he have a work visa? If he's working legally, he can take his contract to the local court, sue them, and he'll get what he's owed. Alternatively, he can take care of it the way most illegal matters are settled in the south...