Labour law changes from time-to-time, it’s imperative for Human Resources professionals to keep tab of the changes to manage their employees locally and overseas, so that any changes can be incorporated on-time and swiftly without incurring any issues with local authorities.
Below is the list of legislatives in Asia Pacific governing employment rules such as work hours, minimum wage, employee obligations, disputes and relevant links.
| COUNTRY | LABOUR LAW | WORKPLACE TRIBUNAL | LINKS IN ENGLISH |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | The Fair Work Act 2009 sets out the basic rights of employees in Australia. The National Employment Standards (NES), contained in the Fair Work Act 2009 set out the 10 minimum employees' entitlements. Government Department: Department of Employment and Workplace Relations | Fair Work Commission | https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/C2021C00421 |
| China | Labour Contract Law 2013 governs all employment terms for locals and foreigners. Government Department: The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security of the People's Republic of China | Local legislation at provincial or municipal level Labour Dispute Arbitration Committee | http://english.www.gov.cn/archive/laws_regulations/2014/08/23/content_281474983042501.htm |
| Hong Kong | The Employment Ordinance (Cap. 57) states the minimum rights for employees. Government Department: Labour Department | Labour Relations Division offices | https://www.elegislation.gov.hk/hk/cap57 |
| India | The Web Portal 'Shram Suvidha' is a single platform for all labour compliances. Government Department: The Ministry of Labour & Employment | The Organization of the Chief Labour Commissioner (Central) acts as the primary conciliatory agency in the Central Government for industrial disputes. The Regional Labour Commissioners (Central) and Assistant Labour Commissioners (Central) who on behalf of the Chief Labour Commissioner (Central) act as Conciliatory | https://labour.gov.in/shram-suvidha-portal |
| Indonesia | Manpower Law No 13 of 2003 provides the basis for employment law Government Department: Ministry of Manpower | Ministry of Manpower mediator If the recommendation of the mediator is rejected, then the matter must be brought to the Labour Court. | https://kemenperin.go.id/kompetensi/UU_13_2003.pdf |
| Japan | The Labor Standards Act (roudou-kijunhou) governs the working conditions in Japan. Government Department: Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare | Labor Tribunal | https://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/ |
| South Korea | The Labour Standards Act establish the standards for terms and conditions of employment in conformity with the Constitution in Korea Government Department: Ministry of Employment and Labour | Regional Labour Relations Commission | https://www.moel.go.kr/english/policy/laborStandards.do#:~:text=The%20Labor%20Standards%20Act%20in,and%20improving%20workers'%20basic%20livelihoods. |
| Malaysia | The Employment Act 1955 stipulates employees rights. Government Department: Department of Labour under the Ministry of Human Resources | Department of Labour The Industrial Court is the court that hears all employment matters | https://jtksm.mohr.gov.my/en/ |
| Philippines | Labor Code of the Philippines is the legal code governing employment practices and labor relations in the Philippines. Government Department: Bureau of Labor Relations under the Department of Labor and Employment | The National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) | https://blr.dole.gov.ph/2014/12/11/labor-code-of-the-philippines/ |
| Singapore | The Employment Act (Cap. 91) provide for the basic terms and working conditions for all types of employees. Government Department: Ministry of Manpower | Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management (TADM) | https://www.mom.gov.sg/legislation/employment-practices |
| Taiwan | The Labor Standards Act provide minimum standards for working conditions. Government Department: Ministry of Labor | Ministry of Labor - Labor Procedure Act (LPA) | https://law.moj.gov.tw/ENG/LawClass/LawAll.aspx?pcode=N0030001 |
| Thailand | Labour Protection Act of 1998 Government Department: The Department of Labour Protection and Welfare, under the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare | Labour Inspection Office | https://www.labour.go.th/index.php/en/more |
| Vietnam | The 2019 Labor Code regulates employment relationships. Government Department: Ministry of Labour, War Invalids and Social Affairs. | Labor arbitration committee | http://boluatlaodong2019.molisa.gov.vn/lang_en/topic/viet_nam_labour_code/index |
