Round Table China Defending apprentice rights
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Aug 5, 2025 Apprenticeships can offer great opportunities, but they often blur the line between training and exploitation. The discussion dives into legal battles that highlight the necessity for better protections for apprentices. Key insights reveal the importance of formal contracts and rights, especially in sectors like manual labor and journalism. New policies are reshaping perceptions of vocational education as a legit alternative to traditional degrees, while exploring international models that could inform China's evolving apprenticeship landscape.
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Milk Tea Shop Apprenticeship Case
- A young job seeker, Ms. Pan, was treated as an apprentice but worked regular shifts and was paid monthly without a labor contract.
- The court ruled she was a de facto employee and entitled to wages and protections despite the apprentice label.
Employment Defined by Practice
- An employment relationship depends on actual work conditions, not just titles like apprentice.
- Regular pay and management control signify an employment relationship regardless of the label.
Court Cases Affirm Labor Rights
- Several cases, including a hair salon and nail salon worker, show courts recognize labor relations despite 'trainee' titles.
- Courts ordered employers to pay double wage compensation for lacking formal labor contracts.