Main UnionsThe All China Federation of Trade

Unions (simplified chinese: 中华全国总工会; 會

)is the sole national trade union

federation of the People’s republic of China.

All China Federation of Trade Unions (ACFTU)

Chairman Wang Zhaoguo Monopoly on Trade

Unionizing in China Concerns:

Bowing to Government pressure on industry growth

Not defending worker’s rights

The creation of competing trade unions is illegal

Union Growth and Decline

ACFTU Critical Moments: ACFTU founded May 1,

1925 Great Proletarian Cultural

Revolution Death of Mao Zedong

allowed re-establishment of All China Federation of Trade Unions

Involvement in Politics All China Federation of Trade Unions (ACFTU)

Defender of workers' rights? OR

Servant of the Chinese Communist Party and Government?

Challenges to ACFTUThe International Confederation of Free Trade Workers

states: “the ACFTU is not an independent trade union

organization and, therefore, cannot be regarded as an authentic voice of Chinese workers”The International Trade Union

Confederation (ITUC) is the world's largest trade union federation. It was formed on November 1, 2006 out of the merger of the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions(ICFTU) and the World Confederation of Trade Labour

Role in the WorkplaceScientific Development, Economic Stimulation & Social Harmony

“Taking the initiative in safeguarding the rights in a scientific way and according to law based on workers as basic elements”

Socialist Rights Protection Work Firmly adhering to the principle of integrating the overall interests of the whole

people with the interests of the workers(1) Persevering in serving the workers whole-heartedly (“Worker Satisfaction”)(2) Sticking to harmonious development and aiming at mutual benefit and joint

prosperity(3) Sticking to the rights protection practice of planning in a unified way with due

consideration for all concerned and giving prominence to priority work(4) Sticking to the pattern of the trade unions operating under the Party and

governments’ guidance

Union Responses to Changing Environment

April 3, 1992: Trade Union Law This Law was enacted in accordance with the Constitution of

the People's Republic of China with a view to ensuring the status of trade unions in the political, economic and social life of the State, defining their rights and obligations and bringing into play their role in the socialist modernization drive.

Jan 1, 2008: Labor Contract Law (LCL): This Law was formulated in accordance with the Constitution in

order to protect the legitimate rights and interests of labourers, readjust labour relationships, establish and safeguard a labour system suited to the socialist market economy, and promote economic development and social progress.