Led by the Chinese Communist Party, trade unions in China have several key differences from their western counterparts. CGTN's Wang Mengzhen visited one grassroots trade union in northern China's Hebei province to find out more.

A typical safety rally for miners before they enter a mine shaft. In coal-rich provinces like Hebei, safety is not just the top concern for the government and enterprises, but also for grassroots trade unions. Li Binhai, a grassroots trade union staffer of 18 years, says he's acting as a bridge to bond the company's leadership and miners together.

LI BINHAI, VICE CHAIRMAN TRADE UNION, JIZHONG ENERGY FENGFENG GROUP "The trade union of Fengfeng group has organized workers and the leadership to sign three-party agreements to protect their special rights in various fields. At the same time, we have coal mining safety training sessions and contests for workers on a regular basis."

Protecting workers' rights, that's the fundamental goal for all trade unions around the world. But what's special about Chinese trade unions is their multi-tasking ability. Based on the current law and regulations, they are also obliged to sharpen workers' skills and engage them in the company's and the nation's overall development plans. From an ordinary worker to a national role model in his field, Zhang Yufang is among those who has taken part in skills competitions held by a trade union.

ZHANG YUFANG, TECHNICIAN JIZHONG ENERGY FENGFENG GROUP "I suggested to the trade union that we need some practice to get familiar with modern equipment being used in our coal mines. Later, the union helped us set up this innovation lab for workers who love technical gadgets, to exchange ideas and contribute our thoughts on upgrading China's coal mining industry."

Looking ahead, how can Chinese workers better communicate with their trade unions? The All-China Federation of Trade Unions, the unified leading body says it's widening channels to enhance the bargaining power of the 300 million union members.

JIN SHANWEN, CHIEF GRASSROOTS ORGANIZING DEPT., ACFTU "Instead of direct confrontations between workers and employers, trade unions in China seek for collective bargaining. At an upper level, we have liaison meetings between governments and trade unions. At the grassroots level, we have conferences for workers' representatives to voice their concerns."

WANG MENGZHEN HANDAN "With its 17th National Congress well underway, analysts say it's the time to remove some stereotype and expect more real actions from trade unions in China. WMZ CGTN, Handan, Hebei Province."