The rising number of working expatriates in Shanghai has also
caused the number of labor disputes there to increase.
According to the Shanghai Labor Dispute Arbitration Commission,
64 disputes recorded last year, up from 48 (33 percent) in
2004.
Half of the disputes were related to delayed payment of salary
and the cancellation of certain benefits without prior
consultation.
Many expatriates lose the opportunity to defend their rights
because they don't know about the relevant laws and regulations in
China.
According to the Labor Law, a labor dispute first must go to a
local labor arbitration commission within 60 days of the alleged
incident.
If, however, the matter is urgent (such as withheld pay) and
"full evidence" can be provided, a lawsuit must be filed within 15
days.
In ordinary situations, however, the court will accept the case
only if the commission has first ruled on it.
(China Daily October 25, 2006)