What Do Unions Do in Gig Work? The Collision of State-Corporatism Unions and Giant Platform Capital in China | WIP Seminar with Xueyu Wang

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Abstract: How do trade unions function within fragmented and precarious platform gig work? Analyzing measures adopted by the Shanghai Federation of Trade Unions in China to protect and ensure the voice expression of workers in digital platform work, this study identifies a state-corporatist model of union engagement with the platform economy. Chinese unions’ top-down, authority-based power, derived from its close ties with the state, enables it to exert substantial leverage over digital work platforms, despite the sectoral dominance of these platforms. Compared with spontaneous, bottom-up organizing patterns, Chinese unions’ model partially circumvents the challenge of organizing an atomized workforce, institutionalizes a protective labor standards floor, and creates consultation mechanisms tailored to gig workers. However, its dual identity as both union and governmental body persists. Prioritizing social stability, the Chinese union emphasizes non-confrontational dialogue over grassroots mobilization, resulting in low rank-and-file engagement. The union’s limited oversight of these institutions further creates space for platforms to comply in appearance only. This study provides new evidence on collective voice mechanisms in platform work within a unique institutional environment and updates prevailing understandings of the evolution of Chinese unions.

Bio: Prior to joining the Centre for Industrial Relations and Human Resources, Xueyu completed her Master's Degree with Distinction at the Department of Management of London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), with a major in Human Resources and Organizations (International Employment Relations Stream). She also holds a Bachelor’s Degree at the School of Labor and Human Resources in Renmin University of China. Additionally, she also has working experience as an intern research assistant for the Chinese Academy of Labor and Social Security.