Study On The Transformation Of China’s Grass-roots Trade Unions

The process of social transformation in China has spawned a sizable team of migrant workers. In the face of this unique class force, performance of trade unions in China is not satisfactory. Highlighting the problem of migrant workers and the weakness of existing union system has forced the grassroots unions to launch a series of attempts at reform. This paper seeks to discuss the following problems: What is the motivation behind these attempts? How can we understand the basic logic of them? What are their limitations and future possibilities?Based on the review of existing research, this paper takes the elementary theory of class formation as a starting point andthe triple relations of class structure, class consciousness and class action as theresearch framework.Using "Xinyang Mode" as a case, this paper attempts to show the basic motivation and the actual effect of the reform, and tries to draw some more general conclusions through the expanding of the theory and practice.The study finds that, "XinyangMode" is a mixedresult of the changes in the working class and the combined effect of the state, local government and trade union officers. Among the four, the organizing needs from workers are the inherent causes of the reform and the state and local government outlines the environmental background of it.The union’s effort to reposition itself can be considered as the bridge and catalyst in this process.The studyis also noted that, "XinyangMode" is a breakthrough in the three basic abilities of trade union—the ability of organization coverage, value guidance and action. However, there are three paradoxes, what the author called "the paradox of circle", "the paradox of value" and "the paradox of borrowing support", need to be vigilant. This situation also reveals the general direction of the future reform of the grass-roots trade unions in China.