Important to know: Employers cannot cut pay or fire workers due to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding

During pregnancy, after giving birth, or while breastfeeding, it is illegal for employers to cut your pay or fire you. Violators face fines ranging from 1,000 to 5,000 yuan per employee. For infants under one year old, you are entitled to one hour of breastfeeding time each day, and employers cannot assign you overtime or night shifts. Instructions on how to file a claim can be found in Section 19.

No cost at all

As stipulated by the State Council, “Employers must not reduce the wages of female employees, fire them, or terminate their labor or employment contracts due to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.” In other words, during these periods, employers cannot lower your pay, fire you, or end your contract. Mothers of infants under one year old are entitled to one hour of breastfeeding time daily, and employers must not require them to work extra hours or night shifts. Any violations result in fines of at least 1,000 yuan and up to 5,000 yuan per employee.

If you are illegally fired, refer to Section 19 for steps on filing a claim. Key evidence includes any written notices or messages regarding job reassignment or pay cuts — be sure to keep these records safe.

国务院 (2012). 女职工劳动保护特别规定（国令第 619 号，第五条、第九条、第十三条）. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/2012-05/07/content_6584.htm