Labor Relations , and the Union Situation in China

China's continuing evolution toward a market economy has generated ripple effects that are changing most of its economic institutions. One interesting institution cast adrift in this sea of change is the union. While formerly an instrument of the state, the certainty of this role is no more. Issues arise at to how the Chinese union will now evolve, and to what degree it will resemble the western model, or perhaps reflect a uniquely Chinese model. By describing the current status and articulating the issues, this article provides a framework for thought about this topic.