Key practical points:
• It covers disputes over unpaid wages, dismissal, compensation, social insurance and more.
• The first step is often mediation to reach a friendly settlement.
• If mediation fails, the case goes to the labour arbitration committee, which is usually free or low-cost and faster than court.
• When you claim wages, the burden is often on the employer to prove they were paid.
• There is a limited time window to file for arbitration, so do not delay.
• If you do not accept the arbitration decision, in many cases you can then go to court.
• Keep your contract, pay slips and messages as evidence.
👷 Labour law
Labour Dispute Resolution Law · Yalla China
劳动争议调解仲裁法 / Labour Dispute Mediation and Arbitration Law
Enacted: 2007-12-29 ✅ Effective: 2008-05-01
📝 Overview
This is the practical route for a labour dispute such as unpaid wages or wrongful dismissal: mediation, then labour arbitration (free or cheap and faster than court), then court if needed. There is a time limit to file, so act quickly.
This is general information only, not legal advice. For your specific case, consult a licensed lawyer.
📜 The law text / key provisions
💬 Practical reading
💬 This is a general reading/opinion for orientation — not the official legal text nor legal advice.
If your employer has not paid you or has dismissed you unfairly, this law gives you a clear and affordable path instead of going straight to a costly court. Start by gathering your evidence (contract, pay slips, chat messages), try mediation, then file for labour arbitration at your local committee. Most importantly, filing has a time limit, so every day of delay can hurt your claim; act quickly and ask about the deadline for your case. This is a general orientation only and not formal legal advice.
📎 Official source
mohrss.gov.cn / npc.gov.cn
🕒 Updated: 16 March 2026