Article 1. This Law is formulated in accordance with the Constitution for the purpose of protecting the legitimate rights and interests of laborers, adjusting labor relations, establishing and maintaining a labor system suited to the socialist market economy, and promoting economic development and social progress.
Article 2. This Law applies to enterprises, individual economic organizations (hereinafter referred to as "employer units") and laborers who form labor relations with them within the territory of the People's Republic of China.
State organs, public institutions, social organizations, and laborers who establish labor contract relationships with them shall be bound by this Law.
Article 3. Laborers have the right to equal employment and choice of profession, the right to remuneration for labor, the right to rest and leave, the right to labor safety and health protection, the right to vocational training, the right to social insurance and welfare, the right to submit labor dispute resolutions, and other labor rights stipulated by law.
Laborers shall accomplish their work tasks, improve their vocational skills, follow rules on labor safety and hygiene, and observe labor discipline and professional ethics.
Article 4. Employer units shall establish and improve rules and regulations in accordance with the law to ensure that laborers enjoy labor rights and perform labor obligations.
Article 5. The state shall adopt various measures to promote employment, develop vocational education, establish labor standards, regulate social income, improve social insurance, coordinate labor relations, and gradually raise the living standards of laborers.
Article 6. The state encourages laborers to participate in voluntary social labor, promotes labor competitions and rationalization suggestion activities, encourages and protects laborers in scientific research, technological innovation, and invention, and commends and rewards model and outstanding workers.
Article 7. Laborers have the right to participate in and organize trade unions in accordance with the law.
Trade unions represent and safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of laborers and carry out their activities independently and autonomously in accordance with the law.
Article 8. In accordance with legal provisions, laborers participate in democratic management or engage in equal consultations with employer units regarding the protection of their legitimate rights and interests through workers' congresses, workers' assemblies, or other forms.
Article 9. The administrative department of labor under the State Council is responsible for labor work nationwide.
The administrative departments of labor under local people's governments at or above the county level are responsible for labor work within their respective administrative regions.
Article 10. The state creates employment conditions and expands employment opportunities by promoting economic and social development.
The state encourages enterprises, public institutions, and social organizations to establish industries or expand operations within the scope stipulated by laws and administrative regulations to increase employment.
The state supports laborers in voluntarily organizing to seek employment or engaging in individual business operations to achieve employment.
Article 11. Local people's governments at all levels shall take measures to develop various types of employment service agencies and provide employment services.
Article 12. Laborers shall not be discriminated against in employment on the grounds of ethnicity, race, gender, or religious belief.
Article 13. Women enjoy equal rights to employment as men. When recruiting employees, with the exception of types of work or positions unsuitable for women as stipulated by the state, employer units shall not refuse to employ women or raise employment standards for women on the grounds of gender.
Article 14. Where there are special provisions in laws and regulations regarding the employment of persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, or demobilized military personnel, such provisions shall prevail.
Article 15. Employer units are prohibited from recruiting minors under the age of 16.
Where literature, arts, sports, or special craft units recruit minors under the age of 16, they must comply with relevant state regulations and guarantee their right to compulsory education.
Article 16. A labor contract is an agreement between a laborer and an employer unit that establishes a labor relationship and defines the rights and obligations of both parties.
Article 17. The conclusion and modification of labor contracts shall follow the principles of equality, voluntariness, and consensus through consultation, and shall not violate laws or administrative regulations.
A labor contract legally concluded shall have legal binding force, and the parties must perform the obligations stipulated in the contract.