Rights have deadlines: 3 years for the limitation period in civil lawsuits, 1 year for labor arbitration, and after that the other side only has to say "it's past the limitation period"
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In plain words
The limitation period for civil lawsuits (民事诉讼时效) is 3 years, counted from the day you learn your rights were harmed. After it runs out, the court will not raise it on its own, but the other side only has to say "it's past the limitation period" in court, and the money is still owed but you can't get it back. A message demanding payment that leaves a trace can restart the 3 years from the beginning. Labor disputes are a separate system, with an arbitration limitation period of 1 year.
Mentioned in
- If you were not paid, first work out who employed you: unlicensed workshops and labor contractors still fall under labor inspection; only private work for a household or an individual goes to court
- Overtime pay comes in three rates, 1.5 times, 2 times and 3 times; if it isn't paid, complain to labor inspection (劳动监察), and if it is paid late, a further 50% to 100% is added
Translated from the Chinese original. Original book, section 8, tip 19. This section describes legal rules, mostly mainland China’s. It is general information, not legal advice; for your own case, talk to a lawyer. Content may be out of date and rules differ by place. When you actually deal with an agency, a doctor or a court, follow what local officials, doctors and lawyers tell you. Disclaimer