Discover grassroots trade unions in China

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The 17th National Congress of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions (ACFTU) has opened in Beijing. The 5-day gathering, held from October 22 to 26, is expected to map out guidelines for Chinese trade unions over the next five years.

Led by the Chinese Communist Party (CPC), trade unions in China have several key differences from their western counterparts.

In coal-rich provinces like northern China's 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 for 18 years, says he's acting as a bridge to bond the company's leadership and miners together.

Li Binhai, vice chairman of the trade union at Jizhong Energy Fenfeng Group, visits a worker with occupational injury in his apartment. /CGTN Photo

"The trade union of Fengfeng group has organized workers and the leadership to sign three-party agreements to protect their special rights… At the same time, we have coal mining safety training sessions for workers on a regular basis,” said Li Binhai, Vice Chairman of the trade union at Jizhong Energy Fengfeng Group.

Protecting workers' rights is the fundamental goal for all trade unions around the world. But something special about Chinese trade unions lies in their multi-tasking ability.

Based on current laws 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 have taken part in skills competitions held by a trade union.

"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,” said Zhang Yufang, technician at Jizhong Energy Fengfeng Group.

Technician Zhang Yufang is among those who became champions in skills competitions held by a trade union at Jizhong Energy Fenfeng Group. /CGTN Photo

Looking ahead, how can Chinese workers better communicate with their trade unions?

ACFTU is the unified leading body for the country's some two million trade unions. Now it's widening channels to enhance the bargaining power of the 300 million union members.

"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," said Jin Shanwen, Chief at Grassroots Organizing Department of ACFTU.

"At the grassroots level, we have conferences for workers' representatives to voice their concerns. We will continue to improve the three-party bargaining mechanism among workers, trade unions and employers," he added.

With its 17th National Congress well underway, analysts say it's the time to expect more real actions from trade unions in China.