In a significant judicial move, China’s Supreme People’s Court has unveiled six precedent-setting cases addressing wage arrears for migrant workers, establishing new standards for adjudication while reinforcing the judiciary’s dedication to safeguarding labor rights. The December 31st announcement represents the culmination of a year-long nationwide directive prioritizing migrant worker wage disputes and livelihood protection as essential components of social welfare and national progress.
The released cases demonstrate multifaceted judicial approaches, including inter-departmental coordination to address systemic issues, compulsory enforcement measures against non-compliant entities, and expedited corporate asset liquidation procedures to ensure timely wage distribution. These measures form part of a comprehensive collaborative system designed to accelerate dispute resolution while supporting high-quality economic development.
One illustrative case from Shanghai’s Jinshan District involved seven workers seeking enforcement of labor arbitration rulings against an exhibition services company that had disregarded mediated settlements. Judicial investigation revealed the company operated without enforceable assets, frequently changed business locations, and maintained an elusive legal representative who systematically avoided court communications.
The breakthrough came when court officials located the representative’s residence, imposed 15-day judicial detention, and levied a 1,000 yuan ($143) fine for non-compliance. This enforcement action prompted immediate settlement of all outstanding debts and penalties, demonstrating the effectiveness of determined judicial intervention.
The Supreme Court has emphasized the principle of people-centered adjudication, urging courts at all levels to enhance enforcement mechanisms in wage dispute cases. This judicial strengthening aims not only to protect individual workers but also to promote broader social harmony and stability through the consistent application of legal protections for vulnerable employment groups.