Analysis of Research Trends and Developments in Trade Unions and Labor Relations Based on CiteSpace

With the ongoing reform of China’s economic system and the development of a market economy, labor relations have become a key factor in social stability and economic development. Trade unions, as representatives of employees’ interests, play a particularly important role in coordinating labor relations. This study utilizes relevant literature from the CNKI database and employs CiteSpace visualization software to analyze and deeply explore the research dynamics and development trends of trade unions and labor relations. Through the visualization analysis of the temporal distribution of literature, authors, research institutions, and research hotspots, this study reveals the shifts in research focus and identifies key research trends. The aim is to provide theoretical and empirical references for future research on trade unions and labor relations. The results indicate that despite fluctuations in research activity, the functions of labor relations and trade unions have been increasingly emphasized over the years, demonstrating a trend towards diversified and in-depth research themes.