Challenges of Establishing Trade Unions in Chinese Private Enterprises

Trade unions serve as a bridge and bond between the Communist Party of China and the working masses, and the construction of grassroots trade unions is crucial for the welfare of workers and social stability. In a survey conducted in Beijing, it was found that an increase in the number of private enterprises does not necessarily lead to a corresponding increase in the number of trade unions within these enterprises. Similarly, an increase in the total number of employees in private enterprises does not guarantee an increase in the total membership of trade unions in these enterprises. The difficulty in establishing trade union organizations is influenced by multiple factors: enterprises need to control costs under the “uncertainty” of risks, employees lack understanding of trade unions, and the trade unions themselves lack professionalism and effective measures to participate in social governance. In the future, the issue of the difficulty in establishing trade unions should be addressed by developing social work in trade unions, effectively utilizing media platforms of trade unions, and further improving laws and regulations.