ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the implications of the rapid introduction of foreign investment for the All-China Federation of Trade Unions (ACFTU). The chapter focuses on the specific challenges the ACFTU has faced under reform and opening up and then proceeds to examine the attempts of the ACFTU to respond to these. It also focuses on particular constraints and pressures the ACFTU is under. The rapid economic changes brought about by the process of reform and opening up have led in turn to a restructuring of society. The emergence of a new class of migrant workers is paralleled by the new phenomenon of “surplus labor” and a growing cortege of unemployed. The diversification of the category of worker and the emergence of new types of problems has served to highlight the growing inadequacy and inappropriateness of the ACFTU. While the trade unions have clearly moved some way in trying to address these issues, the pace has been slow.
