Event Report

On May 22, The Legal 500 in partnership with River Delta Law Firm, hosted the 2018 Shanghai Labour and Employment Forum.

Following opening remarks from Alex Speirs, editor in chief of GC Magazine, the first of two panels commenced – considering the impact of the political, economic and legal environment in Chia on the formulation and application of employment legislation.

Jason Lu, founding partner of River Delta Law Firm, opened the session with a discussion on the contemporary business and political environment – with particular attention paid to the concept of reform in light of the wave of decisions made following the National People’s Conference.

Despite mooted reform to the Labour Contract Law for a number of years, Lu explained that China being a working-class country – one ruled by a socialist party – meant that any calls for reform need to be contextualised within these bounds.

‘Let go of your dream of the LCL’s reform, and count on yourself,’ advised Lu.

Lu also offered predictions and analysis on the future of Chinese labour and employment law, provided through a legal lens.

Of particular interest to those in attendance was Lu’s thoughts on increasing homogenisation. Currently, disparities in the application and enforcement of labour law from region to region has been a point of contention for domestic and internationally domiciled companies alike.

In the second session of the day, the impact of high technology on labour and employment management was the central topic of discussion.

A dissection of ethical issues, as well as a forward look into how technology driven changes could impact both society and the laws which govern it proved particularly pertinent for a Shanghai audience – a city increasingly burdened by an ageing population and workforce.

The session covered both the opportunities and challenges associated with technology, along with how legislation will need to update to facilitate the application of technology, while simultaneously affording adequate protections to employers and employees alike.

Lu offered advice to the legal and HR professionals in summation, with four key points for successful people management:

Grow your people Optimise your rulesCooperate with the labour unionUtilise new technologies

The forum concluded with networking drinks and canapés.