In order to adapt to the changes of political and economic environments after 1978, there have been four systematic reforms taken by Chinese trade unions. In the process of these reforms, Chinese trade unions identify the role of representative and protector of workers, and the functions of protection and service for workers. Chinese trade unions have absorbed some experience from western trade unions, while they also emphasize the lead and the domination of the Communist Party of China. In addition, there are some trends of the functional division between local and workplace trade unions. The functions of workplace trade unions will be reduced, and local trade unions will take charge of those functions that are reduced.