CURRENT APPROACHES TO THE DEFINITION OF “EMPLOYEE” IN MODERN LABOR LAW

Abstract

This article explores the definition of the term
"employee" based on an analysis of scholarly
perspectives and national legal and regulatory
frameworks. The author examines the definition of the
term “employee” and clarifies the issues of its
development both in Ukraine and in foreign
countries. The study finds that the core structure of
the "employee" category is similar across different
countries, despite belonging to diverse legal systems.
These countries have enshrined certain key
characteristics that are common to employees in all
nations and can be considered universal attributes.
The author identifies the most applicable
characteristics as follows: a) an employee is a natural
person who has reached the age specified by law; b) a
natural person who has entered into an employment
contract or is in an employment relationship with an
employer based on an employment contract; c) an
employee receives systematic remuneration. The paper formulates certain theoretical proposals and indicates the need for normative consolidation of the concept of "employee" in the new Labor Code of Ukraine.

Keywords: employee, labor law, hired worker, employment contract, employment relationship, natural person, Labor Code of Ukraine.