All-China Federation of Trade Unions

Role of All-China Federation of Trade Unions

Introduction to ACFTU

• Centralised Trade Union: The All-China Federation of Trade Unions (ACFTU) serves as the centralised trade union organisation in China.
• Affiliation with CPC: Aligned with the Communist Party of China (CPC), ACFTU plays a crucial role in representing the interests of workers.

Evolution of Workers' Advocacy

• Limited Independence: While trade unions in China are not fully independent entities, there has been a shift towards allowing members more opportunities to advocate for workers' rights.
• Member-Led Campaigns: Increasingly, members within these unions have the chance to campaign on issues related to workers' rights.

Key Functions of ACFTU

Representation of Workers:

• ACFTU acts as the primary representative of workers, engaging with both employers and the government to address labour-related issues.

Collaboration with CPC:

• Aligned with the CPC, ACFTU collaborates closely with the party to ensure the representation of workers aligns with broader political objectives.

Worker Advocacy:

• The federation plays a role in advocating for the rights and interests of workers, reflecting an evolving approach towards workers' participation in the decision-making process.

Challenges and Opportunities

• Limited Independence: The lack of complete independence for trade unions poses challenges in fully representing workers' interests.
• Growing Influence: Despite constraints, the increasing involvement of members in campaigns indicates a growing influence in addressing workers' concerns.

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All-China Federation of Trade Unions

Conclusion: Balancing Representation and Alignment

The ACFTU, while affiliated with the CPC, navigates a complex landscape in representing workers. The evolving dynamics, allowing members to engage in campaigns, highlight a shifting approach towards workers' rights within the constraints of the existing political structure.