The Development of Digital Economy and the Future of the Trade Union Law of the People's Republic of China

Abstract

On December 24, 2021, the 32nd Conference of the Standing Committee of the 13th National People's Congress voted to adopt the Decision of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress on Amending the Trade Union Law of the People's Republic of China, and the amended Trade Union Law has come into effect since January 1, 2022. This is the third amendment to the Trade Union Law since its promulgation in 1992. One of the highlights of this amendment is that it has adapted to the changes brought by the rapid development of China's digital economy in recent years in terms of enterprise organization, structure of the workforce, labor relations and employment patterns, recognizing the right of part-time employment groups to join and organize trade unions in this economic situation. This amendment is of great historical significance to the protection of workers' rights and interests in the digital economy, but the relevant legal content still needs to be refined and perfected, and the supporting system also needs to be improved. As the impact of the new generation of digital technology on social development gradually increases and the production mode, lifestyle and business model evolve at an accelerated pace, it is necessary for us to further consider the future direction and improvement path of the Trade Union Law, explore new ways for trade unions to play their rights protection functions in the context of digital economy, and promote the law to better meet the needs of economic and social development.