To regulate the social order in the new China, three basic laws were drafted in 1950: the marriage law, the land reform law and the trade union law.

The first version of the Law of the People's Republic of China on Trade Union focused on protecting the rights of workers in private enterprises since private ownership was the lion's share of the country's economy in 1950.

But that law was no longer applicable in China after the country entered into a socialist system and planned economy in 1956. Under that new system, enterprises were mainly owned by the State and collectively.

But China didn't amend the law until 1992.

During "the cultural revolution" (1966-76), trade unions at all levels were outlawed.

They came back on track starting in 1978.

In 1986, some trade unionist and legislators of the National People's Congress (NPC) advocated amending the law to protect the legal rights of workers in state-owned and collective enterprises.

In 1992, the NPC approved the second trade union law.

At the end of 1992, the State decided to set up a market-oriented system, and its ownership was massively diversified.

Since then, State-owned enterprises have launched ownership reform, and more and more private, foreign and township enterprises have been created. But so have cases in which workers' rights have been infringed and trade unions' influence has been weakened.

So the All-China Federation of Trade Unions and NPC's Committee of Legal Affairs began drafting a new trade union law in 1999.

The law, which was approved by the NPC last month, emphasizes the protection of workers' legal rights and the function of trade unions.

Meanwhile, the articles in line with international rules, including negotiation rights, labour contracts and dispute solutions, have been amplified under the new law.

(China Daily November 5, 2001)