Topical issues of legal regulation of labor relations in the context of digital transformation: problems of differentiation and occupational safety

Introduction. The current stage of the socio-economic development of the Russian Federation is characterized by a profound transformation, which naturally affects one of the fundamental spheres of public life – labor relations. The relevance of the topic is due to the growing contradiction between the traditional model of labor law developed in the industrial era, focused on standard, stable labor relations, and the dynamic, flexible reality of the post-industrial labor market.

Purpose. The objective of this article is to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the most debatable problems of modern labor legislation in the Russian Federation, arising at the intersection of technological challenges, economic transformation, and social imperatives. The research focuses on a systematic consideration of the impact of digitalization, the development of remote forms of labor, the evolution of differentiation in legal regulation, and the need for a fundamental reform of the occupational safety system. Particular attention is paid to the development of scientifically based proposals for finding an optimal balance between the requirements of economic efficiency, the principles of social justice, and the strengthening of traditional social foundations based on solidarity and collective responsibility.

The theoretical basis of the research is formed by a complex of scientific works covering key aspects of the topic. The foundation is built upon classical and contemporary works on the theory and doctrine of labor law (S.Yu. Golovina, A.M. Kurennoi, A.M. and M.V. Lushnikovs). The issue of differentiation is examined based on the analysis of its evolution and new criteria (A.A. Berezhnov, G.S. Skachkova). The digital transformation and non-standard forms of employment are analyzed relying on studies dedicated to the digital economy, remote and platform work (N.L. Lyutov, A.V. Serova). The critique of the compensatory occupational safety model and approaches to risk management are grounded in works on the economics of occupational safety and social insurance (V.D. Roik).

Results. It has been established that the key challenge for domestic labor law lies in adapting classical institutions to the conditions of the digital economy and non-standard forms of employment without losing its protective function. It has been revealed that the existing compensatory model of occupational safety is economically inefficient and requires a transition to a system of occupational risk management. The necessity of rethinking the differentiation of legal regulation has been substantiated, whereby a special legal status should be granted not based on formal sectoral characteristics, but based on the actual vulnerability of the worker.

Conclusions. It is concluded that the further development of Russian labor legislation should be based on a synthesis of market flexibility, a strong state guaranteeing role, and reliance on the values of social solidarity. Concrete measures aimed at improving legislation in the field of remote work ("right to disconnect"), occupational safety (flexible scale of insurance rates), and ensuring a genuine balance of interests of the parties to labor relations have been proposed.

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