Key practical points:
• Any workplace with enough workers may form a union, and all unions belong to the national federation (ACFTU).
• The union represents workers in collective bargaining over pay and conditions and signs the collective contract.
• An employer may not dismiss or punish a worker for lawful union activity.
• The union reviews mass-layoff decisions, protects occupational safety and helps affected workers.
• Employers typically contribute 2% of total payroll to fund the union.
• In a labour dispute the union can support the worker in mediation and arbitration.
👷 Labour law
Trade Union Law · Yalla China
中华人民共和国工会法 / Trade Union Law
Enacted: 1992-04-03 ✅ Effective: 2022-01-01
📝 Overview
This law governs how trade unions are set up and their right to represent workers and defend their interests. In China all unions fall under the All-China Federation of Trade Unions. Workers may join and benefit from the union's role in the workplace.
This is general information only, not legal advice. For your specific case, consult a licensed lawyer.
📜 The law text / key provisions
💬 Practical reading
💬 This is a general reading/opinion for orientation — not the official legal text nor legal advice.
If you work at a company with a union, it can help you during problems such as dismissal or unpaid wages. Joining is voluntary but gives you a collective voice. Remember that mass-layoff decisions must go through the union. General orientation, not legal advice.
📎 Official source
All-China Federation of Trade Unions / acftu.org
🕒 Updated: 16 March 2026