The Problem of Overtime Employment in China: Status and Prospects

The article analyzes the state and prospects of the problem of widespread permanent and intensive overtime employment in China. The main reason for the existence of this problem is determined, namely the situation of pressure of labor supply on labor demand in the Chinese labor market. Strong competition for jobs among workers enables employers to dictate their terms of employment to workers, including the implementation of additional work in relation to the standard work shift. The problem of overtime employment is analyzed in several aspects, including the ratio between the number of economically active population and the number of jobs in the country’s economy, heterogeneity in the Chinese labor market in relation to supply and demand for various specialties, etc. The article analyzes the prospects for the development of the situation with regard to permanent overtime employment. It is concluded that it is beneficial for the Chinese state to maintain this situation in order to support economic growth in the country. It is planned to ensure the preservation of pressure of labor supply in the labor market by raising the retirement age in the country.