China cabinet meeting: to improve protection for workers' rights - CCTV

China has announced new measures to enhance the protection of workers' rights, as outlined in a recent cabinet meeting reported by state media. The meeting emphasized the need to strengthen oversight of fees charged by government agencies to businesses, a move aimed at reducing operational costs and improving the overall business environment. This initiative is part of a broader effort to establish a long-term regulatory mechanism for managing such fees and to crack down on violations.

In parallel, China has also taken steps to address labor rights in new forms of employment. According to newly released guidelines, the government will step up efforts to protect non-traditional employment workers. These developments reflect a growing emphasis on ensuring fair treatment for all workers, regardless of the nature of their employment.

The legal framework governing labor rights in China includes the Labor Law and the Employment Contract Law, which set out the rights and obligations of employers. Recent judicial interpretations have further clarified key aspects of labor law, including the enforceability of non-compete clauses and the conditions for open-ended contracts. Additionally, the revised Law on the Protection of Women’s Rights and Interests, which came into effect in January 2023, mandates that employers take specific measures to prevent and address sexual harassment.

With the implementation of the new Company Law in July 2024, companies with more than 300 employees are now required to include employee representatives on their boards of directors, further reinforcing the role of workers in corporate governance. These legal and policy developments underscore China’s ongoing commitment to improving labor standards and ensuring that workers' rights are upheld in both traditional and emerging employment contexts.