Contradictions in Chinese trade unionism

Abstract

This study examines the changing status and roles of the All China Federation of Trade Unions (ACFTU) in industrial disputes. It also examinesunionization, union autonomy, workers' organizations and their governance and unions' prospects under the transitional economy. Although a consistency with past studies emerges from the findings, the extent and direction of change in Chinese industrial relations is revealed. It distinguishes trade unions at the enterprise from those at the higher level. Trade unions at the enterprise level are partof and represent the interests of the management of the enterprise. Trade unions at the higher level are subordinate to and part of the Party-state, and represent both workers and employers, acting as ‘messengers' and 'mediators' in resolving labour disputes. Trade unions at enterprise level, as part of enterprise management, mediate between workers and management or suppress worker's actions in labour disputes. Independent trade unions and collective bargaining appear to be unlikely to emerge in the near future of China in the current political framework.