Abstract

This is an accepted article with a DOI pre-assigned that is not yet published.

The authors examine the lack of enforcement of China's increasing body of labour legislation, showing how, since the 1980s, the country's labour inspection system has evolved into a system resembling the Anglo‐Saxon model – characterized by fragmentation and reactive regulatory practices – but with highly selective and non‐coercive state enforcement. This “hybrid” labour inspection model stems from the combination of neoliberal reforms with the Leninist legacy of the authoritarian regime. More effective enforcement of labour law would, the authors suggest, require greater tripartite cooperation and social dialogue in the regulatory process, and the involvement of an independently organized industrial labour force.

Keywords: institutional framework, labour inspection, China

Rights: Copyright © The authors 2014 Journal compilation © International Labour Organization 2014