diff --git a/actix-macros/src/lib.rs b/actix-macros/src/lib.rs
index 60f177fa..54b89565 100644
--- a/actix-macros/src/lib.rs
+++ b/actix-macros/src/lib.rs
@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@
 use proc_macro::TokenStream;
 use quote::quote;
 
-/// Marks async function to be executed by actix system.
+/// Marks async function to be executed by Actix system.
 ///
 /// ## Usage
 ///
@@ -26,7 +26,6 @@ pub fn main(_: TokenStream, item: TokenStream) -> TokenStream {
     let vis = &input.vis;
     let sig = &mut input.sig;
     let body = &input.block;
-    let name = &sig.ident;
 
     if sig.asyncness.is_none() {
         return syn::Error::new_spanned(sig.fn_token, "only async fn is supported")
@@ -39,14 +38,14 @@ pub fn main(_: TokenStream, item: TokenStream) -> TokenStream {
     (quote! {
         #(#attrs)*
         #vis #sig {
-            actix_rt::System::new(stringify!(#name))
+            actix_rt::System::new()
                 .block_on(async move { #body })
         }
     })
     .into()
 }
 
-/// Marks async test function to be executed by actix runtime.
+/// Marks async test function to be executed by Actix system.
 ///
 /// ## Usage
 ///
@@ -86,7 +85,7 @@ pub fn test(_: TokenStream, item: TokenStream) -> TokenStream {
         quote! {
             #(#attrs)*
             #vis #sig {
-                actix_rt::System::new("test")
+                actix_rt::System::new()
                     .block_on(async { #body })
             }
         }
@@ -95,7 +94,7 @@ pub fn test(_: TokenStream, item: TokenStream) -> TokenStream {
             #[test]
             #(#attrs)*
             #vis #sig {
-                actix_rt::System::new("test")
+                actix_rt::System::new()
                     .block_on(async { #body })
             }
         }
diff --git a/actix-rt/CHANGES.md b/actix-rt/CHANGES.md
index 379afbd7..3f2db63f 100644
--- a/actix-rt/CHANGES.md
+++ b/actix-rt/CHANGES.md
@@ -1,20 +1,27 @@
 # Changes
 
 ## Unreleased - 2021-xx-xx
-
-* Rename `Arbiter => Worker`. [#254]
 * Remove `run_in_tokio`, `attach_to_tokio` and `AsyncSystemRunner`. [#253]
 * Return `JoinHandle` from `actix_rt::spawn`. [#253]
-* Remove old `Worker::spawn`. Implementation is now inlined into `actix_rt::spawn`. [#253]
-* Rename `Worker::{send => spawn}` and `Worker::{exec_fn => spawn_fn}`. [#253]
-* Remove `Worker::exec`. [#253]
-* Remove `System::arbiter`. [#256]
-* Remove deprecated `Worker::local_join` and `Worker::is_running`. [#253]
-* `Worker::spawn` now accepts !Unpin futures. [#256]
+* Remove old `Arbiter::spawn`. Implementation is now inlined into `actix_rt::spawn`. [#253]
+* Rename `Arbiter::{send => spawn}` and `Arbiter::{exec_fn => spawn_fn}`. [#253]
+* Remove `Arbiter::exec`. [#253]
+* Remove deprecated `Arbiter::local_join` and `Arbiter::is_running`. [#253]
+* `Arbiter::spawn` now accepts !Unpin futures. [#256]
+* `System::new` no longer takes arguments. [#257]
+* Remove `System::with_current`. [#257]
+* Remove `Builder`. [#257]
+* Add `System::with_init` as replacement for `Builder::run`. [#257]
+* Rename `System::{is_set => is_registered}`. [#257]
+* Add `ArbiterHandle` for sending messages to non-current-thread arbiters. [#257].
+* `System::arbiter` now returns a `&ArbiterHandle`. [#257]
+* Rename `Arbiter::{current => handle}` and return a `ArbiterHandle` instead. [#257]
+* `Arbiter::join` now takes self by value. [#257]
 
 [#253]: https://github.com/actix/actix-net/pull/253
 [#254]: https://github.com/actix/actix-net/pull/254
 [#256]: https://github.com/actix/actix-net/pull/256
+[#257]: https://github.com/actix/actix-net/pull/257
 
 
 ## 2.0.0-beta.2 - 2021-01-09
diff --git a/actix-rt/src/arbiter.rs b/actix-rt/src/arbiter.rs
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..6f723111
--- /dev/null
+++ b/actix-rt/src/arbiter.rs
@@ -0,0 +1,299 @@
+use std::{
+    any::{Any, TypeId},
+    cell::RefCell,
+    collections::HashMap,
+    fmt,
+    future::Future,
+    pin::Pin,
+    sync::atomic::{AtomicUsize, Ordering},
+    task::{Context, Poll},
+    thread,
+};
+
+use futures_core::ready;
+use tokio::{sync::mpsc, task::LocalSet};
+
+use crate::{
+    runtime::Runtime,
+    system::{System, SystemCommand},
+};
+
+pub(crate) static COUNT: AtomicUsize = AtomicUsize::new(0);
+
+thread_local!(
+    static HANDLE: RefCell<Option<ArbiterHandle>> = RefCell::new(None);
+    static STORAGE: RefCell<HashMap<TypeId, Box<dyn Any>>> = RefCell::new(HashMap::new());
+);
+
+pub(crate) enum ArbiterCommand {
+    Stop,
+    Execute(Pin<Box<dyn Future<Output = ()> + Send>>),
+}
+
+impl fmt::Debug for ArbiterCommand {
+    fn fmt(&self, f: &mut fmt::Formatter<'_>) -> fmt::Result {
+        match self {
+            ArbiterCommand::Stop => write!(f, "ArbiterCommand::Stop"),
+            ArbiterCommand::Execute(_) => write!(f, "ArbiterCommand::Execute"),
+        }
+    }
+}
+
+/// A handle for sending spawn and stop messages to an [Arbiter].
+#[derive(Debug, Clone)]
+pub struct ArbiterHandle {
+    sender: mpsc::UnboundedSender<ArbiterCommand>,
+}
+
+impl ArbiterHandle {
+    pub(crate) fn new(sender: mpsc::UnboundedSender<ArbiterCommand>) -> Self {
+        Self { sender }
+    }
+
+    /// Send a future to the [Arbiter]'s thread and spawn it.
+    ///
+    /// If you require a result, include a response channel in the future.
+    ///
+    /// Returns true if future was sent successfully and false if the [Arbiter] has died.
+    pub fn spawn<Fut>(&self, future: Fut) -> bool
+    where
+        Fut: Future<Output = ()> + Send + 'static,
+    {
+        self.sender
+            .send(ArbiterCommand::Execute(Box::pin(future)))
+            .is_ok()
+    }
+
+    /// Send a function to the [Arbiter]'s thread and execute it.
+    ///
+    /// Any result from the function is discarded. If you require a result, include a response
+    /// channel in the function.
+    ///
+    /// Returns true if function was sent successfully and false if the [Arbiter] has died.
+    pub fn spawn_fn<F>(&self, f: F) -> bool
+    where
+        F: FnOnce() + Send + 'static,
+    {
+        self.spawn(async { f() })
+    }
+
+    /// Instruct [Arbiter] to stop processing it's event loop.
+    ///
+    /// Returns true if stop message was sent successfully and false if the [Arbiter] has
+    /// been dropped.
+    pub fn stop(&self) -> bool {
+        self.sender.send(ArbiterCommand::Stop).is_ok()
+    }
+}
+
+/// An Arbiter represents a thread that provides an asynchronous execution environment for futures
+/// and functions.
+///
+/// When an arbiter is created, it spawns a new [OS thread](thread), and hosts an event loop.
+#[derive(Debug)]
+pub struct Arbiter {
+    sender: mpsc::UnboundedSender<ArbiterCommand>,
+    thread_handle: thread::JoinHandle<()>,
+}
+
+impl Arbiter {
+    /// Spawn new Arbiter thread and start its event loop.
+    ///
+    /// # Panics
+    /// Panics if a [System] is not registered on the current thread.
+    #[allow(clippy::new_without_default)]
+    pub fn new() -> Arbiter {
+        let id = COUNT.fetch_add(1, Ordering::Relaxed);
+        let system_id = System::current().id();
+        let name = format!("actix-rt|system:{}|arbiter:{}", system_id, id);
+        let sys = System::current();
+        let (tx, rx) = mpsc::unbounded_channel();
+
+        let thread_handle = thread::Builder::new()
+            .name(name.clone())
+            .spawn({
+                let tx = tx.clone();
+                move || {
+                    let rt = Runtime::new().expect("Can not create Runtime");
+                    let hnd = ArbiterHandle::new(tx);
+
+                    System::set_current(sys);
+
+                    STORAGE.with(|cell| cell.borrow_mut().clear());
+                    HANDLE.with(|cell| *cell.borrow_mut() = Some(hnd.clone()));
+
+                    // register arbiter
+                    let _ = System::current()
+                        .tx()
+                        .send(SystemCommand::RegisterArbiter(id, hnd));
+
+                    // run arbiter event processing loop
+                    rt.block_on(ArbiterRunner { rx });
+
+                    // deregister arbiter
+                    let _ = System::current()
+                        .tx()
+                        .send(SystemCommand::DeregisterArbiter(id));
+                }
+            })
+            .unwrap_or_else(|err| {
+                panic!("Cannot spawn Arbiter's thread: {:?}. {:?}", &name, err)
+            });
+
+        Arbiter {
+            sender: tx,
+            thread_handle,
+        }
+    }
+
+    /// Sets up an Arbiter runner on the current thread using the provided runtime local task set.
+    pub(crate) fn in_new_system(local: &LocalSet) -> ArbiterHandle {
+        let (tx, rx) = mpsc::unbounded_channel();
+
+        let hnd = ArbiterHandle::new(tx);
+
+        HANDLE.with(|cell| *cell.borrow_mut() = Some(hnd.clone()));
+        STORAGE.with(|cell| cell.borrow_mut().clear());
+
+        local.spawn_local(ArbiterRunner { rx });
+
+        hnd
+    }
+
+    /// Return a handle to the Arbiter's message sender.
+    ///
+    /// # Panics
+    /// Panics if no Arbiter is running on the current thread.
+    pub fn handle() -> ArbiterHandle {
+        HANDLE.with(|cell| match *cell.borrow() {
+            Some(ref addr) => addr.clone(),
+            None => panic!("Arbiter is not running."),
+        })
+    }
+
+    /// Stop Arbiter from continuing it's event loop.
+    ///
+    /// Returns true if stop message was sent successfully and false if the Arbiter has been dropped.
+    pub fn stop(&self) -> bool {
+        self.sender.send(ArbiterCommand::Stop).is_ok()
+    }
+
+    /// Send a future to the Arbiter's thread and spawn it.
+    ///
+    /// If you require a result, include a response channel in the future.
+    ///
+    /// Returns true if future was sent successfully and false if the Arbiter has died.
+    pub fn spawn<Fut>(&self, future: Fut) -> bool
+    where
+        Fut: Future<Output = ()> + Send + 'static,
+    {
+        self.sender
+            .send(ArbiterCommand::Execute(Box::pin(future)))
+            .is_ok()
+    }
+
+    /// Send a function to the Arbiter's thread and execute it.
+    ///
+    /// Any result from the function is discarded. If you require a result, include a response
+    /// channel in the function.
+    ///
+    /// Returns true if function was sent successfully and false if the Arbiter has died.
+    pub fn spawn_fn<F>(&self, f: F) -> bool
+    where
+        F: FnOnce() + Send + 'static,
+    {
+        self.spawn(async { f() })
+    }
+
+    /// Wait for Arbiter's event loop to complete.
+    ///
+    /// Joins the underlying OS thread handle. See [`JoinHandle::join`](thread::JoinHandle::join).
+    pub fn join(self) -> thread::Result<()> {
+        self.thread_handle.join()
+    }
+
+    /// Insert item into Arbiter's thread-local storage.
+    ///
+    /// Overwrites any item of the same type previously inserted.
+    pub fn set_item<T: 'static>(item: T) {
+        STORAGE.with(move |cell| cell.borrow_mut().insert(TypeId::of::<T>(), Box::new(item)));
+    }
+
+    /// Check if Arbiter's thread-local storage contains an item type.
+    pub fn contains_item<T: 'static>() -> bool {
+        STORAGE.with(move |cell| cell.borrow().contains_key(&TypeId::of::<T>()))
+    }
+
+    /// Call a function with a shared reference to an item in this Arbiter's thread-local storage.
+    ///
+    /// # Panics
+    /// Panics if item is not in Arbiter's thread-local item storage.
+    pub fn get_item<T: 'static, F, R>(mut f: F) -> R
+    where
+        F: FnMut(&T) -> R,
+    {
+        STORAGE.with(move |cell| {
+            let st = cell.borrow();
+
+            let type_id = TypeId::of::<T>();
+            let item = st.get(&type_id).and_then(downcast_ref).unwrap();
+
+            f(item)
+        })
+    }
+
+    /// Call a function with a mutable reference to an item in this Arbiter's thread-local storage.
+    ///
+    /// # Panics
+    /// Panics if item is not in Arbiter's thread-local item storage.
+    pub fn get_mut_item<T: 'static, F, R>(mut f: F) -> R
+    where
+        F: FnMut(&mut T) -> R,
+    {
+        STORAGE.with(move |cell| {
+            let mut st = cell.borrow_mut();
+
+            let type_id = TypeId::of::<T>();
+            let item = st.get_mut(&type_id).and_then(downcast_mut).unwrap();
+
+            f(item)
+        })
+    }
+}
+
+/// A persistent future that processes [Arbiter] commands.
+struct ArbiterRunner {
+    rx: mpsc::UnboundedReceiver<ArbiterCommand>,
+}
+
+impl Future for ArbiterRunner {
+    type Output = ();
+
+    fn poll(mut self: Pin<&mut Self>, cx: &mut Context<'_>) -> Poll<Self::Output> {
+        // process all items currently buffered in channel
+        loop {
+            match ready!(Pin::new(&mut self.rx).poll_recv(cx)) {
+                // channel closed; no more messages can be received
+                None => return Poll::Ready(()),
+
+                // process arbiter command
+                Some(item) => match item {
+                    ArbiterCommand::Stop => {
+                        return Poll::Ready(());
+                    }
+                    ArbiterCommand::Execute(task_fut) => {
+                        tokio::task::spawn_local(task_fut);
+                    }
+                },
+            }
+        }
+    }
+}
+
+fn downcast_ref<T: 'static>(boxed: &Box<dyn Any>) -> Option<&T> {
+    boxed.downcast_ref()
+}
+
+fn downcast_mut<T: 'static>(boxed: &mut Box<dyn Any>) -> Option<&mut T> {
+    boxed.downcast_mut()
+}
diff --git a/actix-rt/src/builder.rs b/actix-rt/src/builder.rs
deleted file mode 100644
index f9a3fca2..00000000
--- a/actix-rt/src/builder.rs
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,114 +0,0 @@
-use std::{borrow::Cow, future::Future, io};
-
-use tokio::sync::{
-    mpsc::unbounded_channel,
-    oneshot::{channel, Receiver},
-};
-
-use crate::{
-    runtime::Runtime,
-    system::{System, SystemWorker},
-    worker::Worker,
-};
-
-/// System builder.
-///
-/// Either use `Builder::build` to create a system and start actors. Alternatively, use
-/// `Builder::run` to start the Tokio runtime and run a function in its context.
-pub struct Builder {
-    /// Name of the System. Defaults to "actix-rt" if unset.
-    name: Cow<'static, str>,
-}
-
-impl Builder {
-    pub(crate) fn new() -> Self {
-        Builder {
-            name: Cow::Borrowed("actix-rt"),
-        }
-    }
-
-    /// Sets the name of the System.
-    pub fn name(mut self, name: impl Into<Cow<'static, str>>) -> Self {
-        self.name = name.into();
-        self
-    }
-
-    /// Create new System.
-    ///
-    /// This method panics if it can not create Tokio runtime
-    pub fn build(self) -> SystemRunner {
-        self.create_runtime(|| {})
-    }
-
-    /// This function will start Tokio runtime and will finish once the `System::stop()` message
-    /// is called. Function `f` is called within Tokio runtime context.
-    pub fn run<F>(self, init_fn: F) -> io::Result<()>
-    where
-        F: FnOnce(),
-    {
-        self.create_runtime(init_fn).run()
-    }
-
-    fn create_runtime<F>(self, init_fn: F) -> SystemRunner
-    where
-        F: FnOnce(),
-    {
-        let (stop_tx, stop_rx) = channel();
-        let (sys_sender, sys_receiver) = unbounded_channel();
-
-        let rt = Runtime::new().unwrap();
-
-        let system = System::construct(sys_sender, Worker::new_system(rt.local()));
-
-        // init system worker
-        let sys_worker = SystemWorker::new(sys_receiver, stop_tx);
-        rt.spawn(sys_worker);
-
-        // run system init method
-        rt.block_on(async { init_fn() });
-
-        SystemRunner {
-            rt,
-            stop_rx,
-            system,
-        }
-    }
-}
-
-/// System runner object that keeps event loop alive and running until stop message is received.
-#[must_use = "A SystemRunner does nothing unless `run` is called."]
-#[derive(Debug)]
-pub struct SystemRunner {
-    rt: Runtime,
-    stop_rx: Receiver<i32>,
-    system: System,
-}
-
-impl SystemRunner {
-    /// Starts event loop and will finish once [`System::stop()`] is called.
-    pub fn run(self) -> io::Result<()> {
-        let SystemRunner { rt, stop_rx, .. } = self;
-
-        // run loop
-        match rt.block_on(stop_rx) {
-            Ok(code) => {
-                if code != 0 {
-                    Err(io::Error::new(
-                        io::ErrorKind::Other,
-                        format!("Non-zero exit code: {}", code),
-                    ))
-                } else {
-                    Ok(())
-                }
-            }
-
-            Err(e) => Err(io::Error::new(io::ErrorKind::Other, e)),
-        }
-    }
-
-    /// Runs the provided future, blocking the current thread until the future completes.
-    #[inline]
-    pub fn block_on<F: Future>(&self, fut: F) -> F::Output {
-        self.rt.block_on(fut)
-    }
-}
diff --git a/actix-rt/src/lib.rs b/actix-rt/src/lib.rs
index b0303d6c..bf8a4796 100644
--- a/actix-rt/src/lib.rs
+++ b/actix-rt/src/lib.rs
@@ -15,15 +15,13 @@ use tokio::task::JoinHandle;
 #[cfg(all(feature = "macros", not(test)))]
 pub use actix_macros::{main, test};
 
-mod builder;
+mod arbiter;
 mod runtime;
 mod system;
-mod worker;
 
-pub use self::builder::{Builder, SystemRunner};
+pub use self::arbiter::{Arbiter, ArbiterHandle};
 pub use self::runtime::Runtime;
-pub use self::system::System;
-pub use self::worker::Worker;
+pub use self::system::{System, SystemRunner};
 
 pub mod signal {
     //! Asynchronous signal handling (Tokio re-exports).
@@ -61,7 +59,7 @@ pub mod task {
     pub use tokio::task::{spawn_blocking, yield_now, JoinHandle};
 }
 
-/// Spawns a future on the current [Worker].
+/// Spawns a future on the current thread.
 ///
 /// # Panics
 /// Panics if Actix system is not running.
diff --git a/actix-rt/src/runtime.rs b/actix-rt/src/runtime.rs
index c7f611ed..a20dfe7e 100644
--- a/actix-rt/src/runtime.rs
+++ b/actix-rt/src/runtime.rs
@@ -2,9 +2,10 @@ use std::{future::Future, io};
 
 use tokio::task::{JoinHandle, LocalSet};
 
-/// Single-threaded runtime provides a way to start reactor and runtime on the current thread.
+/// A single-threaded runtime based on Tokio's "current thread" runtime.
 ///
-/// See [crate root][crate] documentation for more details.
+/// All spawned futures will be executed on the current thread. Therefore, there is no `Send` bound
+/// on submitted futures.
 #[derive(Debug)]
 pub struct Runtime {
     local: LocalSet,
@@ -27,7 +28,7 @@ impl Runtime {
     }
 
     /// Reference to local task set.
-    pub(crate) fn local(&self) -> &LocalSet {
+    pub(crate) fn local_set(&self) -> &LocalSet {
         &self.local
     }
 
diff --git a/actix-rt/src/system.rs b/actix-rt/src/system.rs
index 0182136e..d2f38ca8 100644
--- a/actix-rt/src/system.rs
+++ b/actix-rt/src/system.rs
@@ -1,5 +1,4 @@
 use std::{
-    borrow::Cow,
     cell::RefCell,
     collections::HashMap,
     future::Future,
@@ -12,55 +11,62 @@ use std::{
 use futures_core::ready;
 use tokio::sync::{mpsc, oneshot};
 
-use crate::{
-    builder::{Builder, SystemRunner},
-    worker::Worker,
-};
+use crate::{arbiter::ArbiterHandle, Arbiter, Runtime};
 
 static SYSTEM_COUNT: AtomicUsize = AtomicUsize::new(0);
 
-/// System is a runtime manager.
-#[derive(Clone, Debug)]
-pub struct System {
-    id: usize,
-    sys_tx: mpsc::UnboundedSender<SystemCommand>,
-    // TODO: which worker is this exactly
-    worker: Worker,
-}
-
 thread_local!(
     static CURRENT: RefCell<Option<System>> = RefCell::new(None);
 );
 
+/// A manager for a per-thread distributed async runtime.
+#[derive(Clone, Debug)]
+pub struct System {
+    id: usize,
+    sys_tx: mpsc::UnboundedSender<SystemCommand>,
+
+    /// Handle to the first [Arbiter] that is created with the System.
+    arbiter_handle: ArbiterHandle,
+}
+
 impl System {
-    /// Constructs new system and sets it as current.
-    pub(crate) fn construct(
-        sys_tx: mpsc::UnboundedSender<SystemCommand>,
-        worker: Worker,
-    ) -> Self {
-        let sys = System {
-            sys_tx,
-            worker,
-            id: SYSTEM_COUNT.fetch_add(1, Ordering::SeqCst),
-        };
-        System::set_current(sys.clone());
-        sys
-    }
-
-    /// Build a new system with a customized Tokio runtime.
-    ///
-    /// This allows to customize the runtime. See [`Builder`] for more information.
-    pub fn builder() -> Builder {
-        Builder::new()
-    }
-
-    /// Create new system.
+    /// Create a new system.
     ///
     /// # Panics
     /// Panics if underlying Tokio runtime can not be created.
     #[allow(clippy::new_ret_no_self)]
-    pub fn new(name: impl Into<Cow<'static, str>>) -> SystemRunner {
-        Self::builder().name(name).build()
+    pub fn new() -> SystemRunner {
+        let (stop_tx, stop_rx) = oneshot::channel();
+        let (sys_tx, sys_rx) = mpsc::unbounded_channel();
+
+        let rt = Runtime::new().expect("Actix (Tokio) runtime could not be created.");
+        let system = System::construct(sys_tx, Arbiter::in_new_system(rt.local_set()));
+
+        // init background system arbiter
+        let sys_ctrl = SystemController::new(sys_rx, stop_tx);
+        rt.spawn(sys_ctrl);
+
+        SystemRunner {
+            rt,
+            stop_rx,
+            system,
+        }
+    }
+
+    /// Constructs new system and registers it on the current thread.
+    pub(crate) fn construct(
+        sys_tx: mpsc::UnboundedSender<SystemCommand>,
+        arbiter_handle: ArbiterHandle,
+    ) -> Self {
+        let sys = System {
+            sys_tx,
+            arbiter_handle,
+            id: SYSTEM_COUNT.fetch_add(1, Ordering::SeqCst),
+        };
+
+        System::set_current(sys.clone());
+
+        sys
     }
 
     /// Get current running system.
@@ -74,31 +80,27 @@ impl System {
         })
     }
 
-    /// Check if current system has started.
-    pub fn is_set() -> bool {
-        CURRENT.with(|cell| cell.borrow().is_some())
+    /// Get handle to a the System's initial [Arbiter].
+    pub fn arbiter(&self) -> &ArbiterHandle {
+        &self.arbiter_handle
     }
 
-    /// Set current running system.
+    /// Check if there is a System registered on the current thread.
+    pub fn is_registered() -> bool {
+        CURRENT.with(|sys| sys.borrow().is_some())
+    }
+
+    /// Register given system on current thread.
     #[doc(hidden)]
     pub fn set_current(sys: System) {
-        CURRENT.with(|s| {
-            *s.borrow_mut() = Some(sys);
+        CURRENT.with(|cell| {
+            *cell.borrow_mut() = Some(sys);
         })
     }
 
-    /// Execute function with system reference.
-    pub fn with_current<F, R>(f: F) -> R
-    where
-        F: FnOnce(&System) -> R,
-    {
-        CURRENT.with(|cell| match *cell.borrow() {
-            Some(ref sys) => f(sys),
-            None => panic!("System is not running"),
-        })
-    }
-
-    /// Numeric system ID.
+    /// Numeric system identifier.
+    ///
+    /// Useful when using multiple Systems.
     pub fn id(&self) -> usize {
         self.id
     }
@@ -108,7 +110,7 @@ impl System {
         self.stop_with_code(0)
     }
 
-    /// Stop the system with a particular exit code.
+    /// Stop the system with a given exit code.
     pub fn stop_with_code(&self, code: i32) {
         let _ = self.sys_tx.send(SystemCommand::Exit(code));
     }
@@ -116,80 +118,106 @@ impl System {
     pub(crate) fn tx(&self) -> &mpsc::UnboundedSender<SystemCommand> {
         &self.sys_tx
     }
+}
 
-    // TODO: give clarity on which worker this is; previous documented as returning "system worker"
-    /// Get shared reference to a worker.
-    pub fn worker(&self) -> &Worker {
-        &self.worker
+/// Runner that keeps a [System]'s event loop alive until stop message is received.
+#[must_use = "A SystemRunner does nothing unless `run` is called."]
+#[derive(Debug)]
+pub struct SystemRunner {
+    rt: Runtime,
+    stop_rx: oneshot::Receiver<i32>,
+    system: System,
+}
+
+impl SystemRunner {
+    /// Starts event loop and will return once [System] is [stopped](System::stop).
+    pub fn run(self) -> io::Result<()> {
+        let SystemRunner { rt, stop_rx, .. } = self;
+
+        // run loop
+        match rt.block_on(stop_rx) {
+            Ok(code) => {
+                if code != 0 {
+                    Err(io::Error::new(
+                        io::ErrorKind::Other,
+                        format!("Non-zero exit code: {}", code),
+                    ))
+                } else {
+                    Ok(())
+                }
+            }
+
+            Err(e) => Err(io::Error::new(io::ErrorKind::Other, e)),
+        }
     }
 
-    /// This function will start Tokio runtime and will finish once the `System::stop()` message
-    /// is called. Function `f` is called within Tokio runtime context.
-    pub fn run<F>(f: F) -> io::Result<()>
-    where
-        F: FnOnce(),
-    {
-        Self::builder().run(f)
+    /// Runs the provided future, blocking the current thread until the future completes.
+    #[inline]
+    pub fn block_on<F: Future>(&self, fut: F) -> F::Output {
+        self.rt.block_on(fut)
     }
 }
 
 #[derive(Debug)]
 pub(crate) enum SystemCommand {
     Exit(i32),
-    RegisterArbiter(usize, Worker),
+    RegisterArbiter(usize, ArbiterHandle),
     DeregisterArbiter(usize),
 }
 
+/// There is one `SystemController` per [System]. It runs in the background, keeping track of
+/// [Arbiter]s and is able to distribute a system-wide stop command.
 #[derive(Debug)]
-pub(crate) struct SystemWorker {
-    stop: Option<oneshot::Sender<i32>>,
-    commands: mpsc::UnboundedReceiver<SystemCommand>,
-    workers: HashMap<usize, Worker>,
+pub(crate) struct SystemController {
+    stop_tx: Option<oneshot::Sender<i32>>,
+    cmd_rx: mpsc::UnboundedReceiver<SystemCommand>,
+    arbiters: HashMap<usize, ArbiterHandle>,
 }
 
-impl SystemWorker {
+impl SystemController {
     pub(crate) fn new(
-        commands: mpsc::UnboundedReceiver<SystemCommand>,
-        stop: oneshot::Sender<i32>,
+        cmd_rx: mpsc::UnboundedReceiver<SystemCommand>,
+        stop_tx: oneshot::Sender<i32>,
     ) -> Self {
-        SystemWorker {
-            commands,
-            stop: Some(stop),
-            workers: HashMap::new(),
+        SystemController {
+            cmd_rx,
+            stop_tx: Some(stop_tx),
+            arbiters: HashMap::with_capacity(4),
         }
     }
 }
 
-impl Future for SystemWorker {
+impl Future for SystemController {
     type Output = ();
 
     fn poll(mut self: Pin<&mut Self>, cx: &mut Context<'_>) -> Poll<Self::Output> {
         // process all items currently buffered in channel
         loop {
-            match ready!(Pin::new(&mut self.commands).poll_recv(cx)) {
+            match ready!(Pin::new(&mut self.cmd_rx).poll_recv(cx)) {
                 // channel closed; no more messages can be received
                 None => return Poll::Ready(()),
 
                 // process system command
                 Some(cmd) => match cmd {
                     SystemCommand::Exit(code) => {
-                        // stop workers
-                        for wkr in self.workers.values() {
+                        // stop all arbiters
+                        for wkr in self.arbiters.values() {
                             wkr.stop();
                         }
 
                         // stop event loop
-                        if let Some(stop) = self.stop.take() {
-                            let _ = stop.send(code);
+                        // will only fire once
+                        if let Some(stop_tx) = self.stop_tx.take() {
+                            let _ = stop_tx.send(code);
                         }
                     }
 
                     SystemCommand::RegisterArbiter(name, hnd) => {
-                        self.workers.insert(name, hnd);
+                        self.arbiters.insert(name, hnd);
                     }
 
                     SystemCommand::DeregisterArbiter(name) => {
-                        self.workers.remove(&name);
+                        self.arbiters.remove(&name);
                     }
                 },
             }
diff --git a/actix-rt/src/worker.rs b/actix-rt/src/worker.rs
deleted file mode 100644
index adda3cff..00000000
--- a/actix-rt/src/worker.rs
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,271 +0,0 @@
-use std::{
-    any::{Any, TypeId},
-    cell::RefCell,
-    collections::HashMap,
-    fmt,
-    future::Future,
-    pin::Pin,
-    sync::atomic::{AtomicUsize, Ordering},
-    task::{Context, Poll},
-    thread,
-};
-
-use futures_core::ready;
-use tokio::{sync::mpsc, task::LocalSet};
-
-use crate::{
-    runtime::Runtime,
-    system::{System, SystemCommand},
-};
-
-pub(crate) static COUNT: AtomicUsize = AtomicUsize::new(0);
-
-thread_local!(
-    static ADDR: RefCell<Option<Worker>> = RefCell::new(None);
-    static STORAGE: RefCell<HashMap<TypeId, Box<dyn Any>>> = RefCell::new(HashMap::new());
-);
-
-pub(crate) enum WorkerCommand {
-    Stop,
-    Execute(Pin<Box<dyn Future<Output = ()> + Send>>),
-}
-
-impl fmt::Debug for WorkerCommand {
-    fn fmt(&self, f: &mut fmt::Formatter<'_>) -> fmt::Result {
-        match self {
-            WorkerCommand::Stop => write!(f, "ArbiterCommand::Stop"),
-            WorkerCommand::Execute(_) => write!(f, "ArbiterCommand::Execute"),
-        }
-    }
-}
-
-/// A worker represent a thread that provides an asynchronous execution environment for futures
-/// and functions.
-///
-/// When a Worker is created, it spawns a new [OS thread](thread), and hosts an event loop.
-/// Some Arbiter functions execute on the current thread.
-#[derive(Debug)]
-pub struct Worker {
-    sender: mpsc::UnboundedSender<WorkerCommand>,
-    thread_handle: Option<thread::JoinHandle<()>>,
-}
-
-impl Clone for Worker {
-    fn clone(&self) -> Self {
-        Self::new_handle(self.sender.clone())
-    }
-}
-
-impl Default for Worker {
-    fn default() -> Self {
-        Self::new()
-    }
-}
-
-impl Worker {
-    /// Spawn new thread and run event loop in spawned thread.
-    ///
-    /// Returns handle of newly created worker.
-    ///
-    /// # Panics
-    /// Panics if a [System] not registered on the current thread.
-    pub fn new() -> Worker {
-        let id = COUNT.fetch_add(1, Ordering::Relaxed);
-        let name = format!("actix-rt:worker:{}", id);
-        let sys = System::current();
-        let (tx, rx) = mpsc::unbounded_channel();
-
-        let handle = thread::Builder::new()
-            .name(name.clone())
-            .spawn({
-                let tx = tx.clone();
-                move || {
-                    let rt = Runtime::new().expect("Can not create Runtime");
-                    let arb = Worker::new_handle(tx);
-
-                    STORAGE.with(|cell| cell.borrow_mut().clear());
-
-                    System::set_current(sys);
-
-                    ADDR.with(|cell| *cell.borrow_mut() = Some(arb.clone()));
-
-                    // register worker
-                    let _ = System::current()
-                        .tx()
-                        .send(SystemCommand::RegisterArbiter(id, arb));
-
-                    // run worker event processing loop
-                    rt.block_on(WorkerRunner { rx });
-
-                    // deregister worker
-                    let _ = System::current()
-                        .tx()
-                        .send(SystemCommand::DeregisterArbiter(id));
-                }
-            })
-            .unwrap_or_else(|err| {
-                panic!("Cannot spawn a Worker's thread {:?}: {:?}", &name, err)
-            });
-
-        Worker {
-            sender: tx,
-            thread_handle: Some(handle),
-        }
-    }
-
-    /// Returns the current Worker's handle.
-    ///
-    /// # Panics
-    /// Panics if no Worker is running on the current thread.
-    pub fn current() -> Worker {
-        ADDR.with(|cell| match *cell.borrow() {
-            Some(ref addr) => addr.clone(),
-            None => panic!("Worker is not running."),
-        })
-    }
-
-    /// Stop worker from continuing it's event loop.
-    pub fn stop(&self) {
-        let _ = self.sender.send(WorkerCommand::Stop);
-    }
-
-    /// Send a future to the Arbiter's thread and spawn it.
-    ///
-    /// If you require a result, include a response channel in the future.
-    ///
-    /// Returns true if future was sent successfully and false if the Arbiter has died.
-    pub fn spawn<Fut>(&self, future: Fut) -> bool
-    where
-        Fut: Future<Output = ()> + Send + 'static,
-    {
-        self.sender
-            .send(WorkerCommand::Execute(Box::pin(future)))
-            .is_ok()
-    }
-
-    /// Send a function to the Arbiter's thread and execute it.
-    ///
-    /// Any result from the function is discarded. If you require a result, include a response
-    /// channel in the function.
-    ///
-    /// Returns true if function was sent successfully and false if the Arbiter has died.
-    pub fn spawn_fn<F>(&self, f: F) -> bool
-    where
-        F: FnOnce() + Send + 'static,
-    {
-        self.spawn(async { f() })
-    }
-
-    /// Wait for worker's event loop to complete.
-    ///
-    /// Joins the underlying OS thread handle, if contained.
-    pub fn join(&mut self) -> thread::Result<()> {
-        if let Some(thread_handle) = self.thread_handle.take() {
-            thread_handle.join()
-        } else {
-            Ok(())
-        }
-    }
-
-    pub(crate) fn new_system(local: &LocalSet) -> Self {
-        let (tx, rx) = mpsc::unbounded_channel();
-
-        let arb = Worker::new_handle(tx);
-        ADDR.with(|cell| *cell.borrow_mut() = Some(arb.clone()));
-        STORAGE.with(|cell| cell.borrow_mut().clear());
-
-        local.spawn_local(WorkerRunner { rx });
-
-        arb
-    }
-
-    fn new_handle(sender: mpsc::UnboundedSender<WorkerCommand>) -> Self {
-        Self {
-            sender,
-            thread_handle: None,
-        }
-    }
-
-    /// Insert item into worker's thread-local storage.
-    ///
-    /// Overwrites any item of the same type previously inserted.
-    pub fn set_item<T: 'static>(item: T) {
-        STORAGE.with(move |cell| cell.borrow_mut().insert(TypeId::of::<T>(), Box::new(item)));
-    }
-
-    /// Check if worker's thread-local storage contains an item type.
-    pub fn contains_item<T: 'static>() -> bool {
-        STORAGE.with(move |cell| cell.borrow().contains_key(&TypeId::of::<T>()))
-    }
-
-    /// Call a function with a shared reference to an item in this worker's thread-local storage.
-    ///
-    /// # Panics
-    /// Panics if item is not in worker's thread-local item storage.
-    pub fn get_item<T: 'static, F, R>(mut f: F) -> R
-    where
-        F: FnMut(&T) -> R,
-    {
-        STORAGE.with(move |cell| {
-            let st = cell.borrow();
-
-            let type_id = TypeId::of::<T>();
-            let item = st.get(&type_id).and_then(downcast_ref).unwrap();
-
-            f(item)
-        })
-    }
-
-    /// Call a function with a mutable reference to an item in this worker's thread-local storage.
-    ///
-    /// # Panics
-    /// Panics if item is not in worker's thread-local item storage.
-    pub fn get_mut_item<T: 'static, F, R>(mut f: F) -> R
-    where
-        F: FnMut(&mut T) -> R,
-    {
-        STORAGE.with(move |cell| {
-            let mut st = cell.borrow_mut();
-
-            let type_id = TypeId::of::<T>();
-            let item = st.get_mut(&type_id).and_then(downcast_mut).unwrap();
-
-            f(item)
-        })
-    }
-}
-
-/// A persistent worker future that processes worker commands.
-struct WorkerRunner {
-    rx: mpsc::UnboundedReceiver<WorkerCommand>,
-}
-
-impl Future for WorkerRunner {
-    type Output = ();
-
-    fn poll(mut self: Pin<&mut Self>, cx: &mut Context<'_>) -> Poll<Self::Output> {
-        // process all items currently buffered in channel
-        loop {
-            match ready!(Pin::new(&mut self.rx).poll_recv(cx)) {
-                // channel closed; no more messages can be received
-                None => return Poll::Ready(()),
-
-                // process worker command
-                Some(item) => match item {
-                    WorkerCommand::Stop => return Poll::Ready(()),
-                    WorkerCommand::Execute(task_fut) => {
-                        tokio::task::spawn_local(task_fut);
-                    }
-                },
-            }
-        }
-    }
-}
-
-fn downcast_ref<T: 'static>(boxed: &Box<dyn Any>) -> Option<&T> {
-    boxed.downcast_ref()
-}
-
-fn downcast_mut<T: 'static>(boxed: &mut Box<dyn Any>) -> Option<&mut T> {
-    boxed.downcast_mut()
-}
diff --git a/actix-rt/tests/tests.rs b/actix-rt/tests/tests.rs
index ec71656c..7749ad0a 100644
--- a/actix-rt/tests/tests.rs
+++ b/actix-rt/tests/tests.rs
@@ -1,16 +1,17 @@
 use std::{
-    sync::mpsc::sync_channel,
+    sync::mpsc::channel,
     thread,
     time::{Duration, Instant},
 };
 
-use actix_rt::{System, Worker};
+use actix_rt::{Arbiter, System};
+use tokio::sync::oneshot;
 
 #[test]
 fn await_for_timer() {
     let time = Duration::from_secs(1);
     let instant = Instant::now();
-    System::new("test_wait_timer").block_on(async move {
+    System::new().block_on(async move {
         tokio::time::sleep(time).await;
     });
     assert!(
@@ -20,78 +21,72 @@ fn await_for_timer() {
 }
 
 #[test]
-fn join_another_worker() {
+fn join_another_arbiter() {
     let time = Duration::from_secs(1);
     let instant = Instant::now();
-    System::new("test_join_another_worker").block_on(async move {
-        let mut worker = Worker::new();
-        worker.spawn(Box::pin(async move {
+    System::new().block_on(async move {
+        let arbiter = Arbiter::new();
+        arbiter.spawn(Box::pin(async move {
             tokio::time::sleep(time).await;
-            Worker::current().stop();
+            Arbiter::handle().stop();
         }));
-        worker.join().unwrap();
+        arbiter.join().unwrap();
     });
     assert!(
         instant.elapsed() >= time,
-        "Join on another worker should complete only when it calls stop"
+        "Join on another arbiter should complete only when it calls stop"
     );
 
     let instant = Instant::now();
-    System::new("test_join_another_worker").block_on(async move {
-        let mut worker = Worker::new();
-        worker.spawn_fn(move || {
+    System::new().block_on(async move {
+        let arbiter = Arbiter::new();
+        arbiter.spawn_fn(move || {
             actix_rt::spawn(async move {
                 tokio::time::sleep(time).await;
-                Worker::current().stop();
+                Arbiter::handle().stop();
             });
         });
-        worker.join().unwrap();
+        arbiter.join().unwrap();
     });
     assert!(
         instant.elapsed() >= time,
-        "Join on a worker that has used actix_rt::spawn should wait for said future"
+        "Join on an arbiter that has used actix_rt::spawn should wait for said future"
     );
 
     let instant = Instant::now();
-    System::new("test_join_another_worker").block_on(async move {
-        let mut worker = Worker::new();
-        worker.spawn(Box::pin(async move {
+    System::new().block_on(async move {
+        let arbiter = Arbiter::new();
+        arbiter.spawn(Box::pin(async move {
             tokio::time::sleep(time).await;
-            Worker::current().stop();
+            Arbiter::handle().stop();
         }));
-        worker.stop();
-        worker.join().unwrap();
+        arbiter.stop();
+        arbiter.join().unwrap();
     });
     assert!(
         instant.elapsed() < time,
-        "Premature stop of worker should conclude regardless of it's current state"
+        "Premature stop of arbiter should conclude regardless of it's current state"
     );
 }
 
 #[test]
 fn non_static_block_on() {
     let string = String::from("test_str");
-    let str = string.as_str();
+    let string = string.as_str();
 
-    let sys = System::new("borrow some");
+    let sys = System::new();
 
     sys.block_on(async {
         actix_rt::time::sleep(Duration::from_millis(1)).await;
-        assert_eq!("test_str", str);
+        assert_eq!("test_str", string);
     });
 
     let rt = actix_rt::Runtime::new().unwrap();
 
     rt.block_on(async {
         actix_rt::time::sleep(Duration::from_millis(1)).await;
-        assert_eq!("test_str", str);
+        assert_eq!("test_str", string);
     });
-
-    System::run(|| {
-        assert_eq!("test_str", str);
-        System::current().stop();
-    })
-    .unwrap();
 }
 
 #[test]
@@ -108,82 +103,70 @@ fn wait_for_spawns() {
 }
 
 #[test]
-fn worker_spawn_fn_runs() {
-    let _ = System::new("test-system");
+fn arbiter_spawn_fn_runs() {
+    let _ = System::new();
 
-    let (tx, rx) = sync_channel::<u32>(1);
+    let (tx, rx) = channel::<u32>();
 
-    let mut worker = Worker::new();
-    worker.spawn_fn(move || tx.send(42).unwrap());
+    let arbiter = Arbiter::new();
+    arbiter.spawn_fn(move || tx.send(42).unwrap());
 
     let num = rx.recv().unwrap();
     assert_eq!(num, 42);
 
-    worker.stop();
-    worker.join().unwrap();
+    arbiter.stop();
+    arbiter.join().unwrap();
 }
 
 #[test]
-fn worker_drop_no_panic_fn() {
-    let _ = System::new("test-system");
+fn arbiter_drop_no_panic_fn() {
+    let _ = System::new();
 
-    let mut worker = Worker::new();
-    worker.spawn_fn(|| panic!("test"));
+    let arbiter = Arbiter::new();
+    arbiter.spawn_fn(|| panic!("test"));
 
-    worker.stop();
-    worker.join().unwrap();
+    arbiter.stop();
+    arbiter.join().unwrap();
 }
 
 #[test]
-fn worker_drop_no_panic_fut() {
-    let _ = System::new("test-system");
+fn arbiter_drop_no_panic_fut() {
+    let _ = System::new();
 
-    let mut worker = Worker::new();
-    worker.spawn(async { panic!("test") });
+    let arbiter = Arbiter::new();
+    arbiter.spawn(async { panic!("test") });
 
-    worker.stop();
-    worker.join().unwrap();
+    arbiter.stop();
+    arbiter.join().unwrap();
 }
 
 #[test]
-fn worker_item_storage() {
-    let _ = System::new("test-system");
+fn arbiter_item_storage() {
+    let _ = System::new();
 
-    let mut worker = Worker::new();
+    let arbiter = Arbiter::new();
 
-    assert!(!Worker::contains_item::<u32>());
-    Worker::set_item(42u32);
-    assert!(Worker::contains_item::<u32>());
+    assert!(!Arbiter::contains_item::<u32>());
+    Arbiter::set_item(42u32);
+    assert!(Arbiter::contains_item::<u32>());
 
-    Worker::get_item(|&item: &u32| assert_eq!(item, 42));
-    Worker::get_mut_item(|&mut item: &mut u32| assert_eq!(item, 42));
+    Arbiter::get_item(|&item: &u32| assert_eq!(item, 42));
+    Arbiter::get_mut_item(|&mut item: &mut u32| assert_eq!(item, 42));
 
     let thread = thread::spawn(move || {
-        Worker::get_item(|&_item: &u32| unreachable!("u32 not in this thread"));
+        Arbiter::get_item(|&_item: &u32| unreachable!("u32 not in this thread"));
     })
     .join();
     assert!(thread.is_err());
 
     let thread = thread::spawn(move || {
-        Worker::get_mut_item(|&mut _item: &mut i8| unreachable!("i8 not in this thread"));
+        Arbiter::get_mut_item(|&mut _item: &mut i8| unreachable!("i8 not in this thread"));
     })
     .join();
     assert!(thread.is_err());
 
-    worker.stop();
-    worker.join().unwrap();
-}
-
-#[test]
-fn system_name_cow_str() {
-    let _ = System::new("test-system");
-    System::current().stop();
-}
-
-#[test]
-fn system_name_cow_string() {
-    let _ = System::new("test-system".to_owned());
-    System::current().stop();
+    arbiter.stop();
+    arbiter.join().unwrap();
 }
 
 #[test]
@@ -194,6 +177,36 @@ fn no_system_current_panic() {
 
 #[test]
 #[should_panic]
-fn no_system_worker_new_panic() {
-    Worker::new();
+fn no_system_arbiter_new_panic() {
+    Arbiter::new();
+}
+
+#[test]
+fn system_arbiter_spawn() {
+    let runner = System::new();
+
+    let (tx, rx) = oneshot::channel();
+    let sys = System::current();
+
+    thread::spawn(|| {
+        // this thread will have no arbiter in it's thread local so call will panic
+        Arbiter::handle();
+    })
+    .join()
+    .unwrap_err();
+
+    let thread = thread::spawn(|| {
+        // this thread will have no arbiter in it's thread local so use the system handle instead
+        System::set_current(sys);
+        let sys = System::current();
+
+        let wrk = sys.arbiter();
+        wrk.spawn(async move {
+            tx.send(42u32).unwrap();
+            System::current().stop();
+        });
+    });
+
+    assert_eq!(runner.block_on(rx).unwrap(), 42);
+    thread.join().unwrap();
 }
diff --git a/actix-server/src/accept.rs b/actix-server/src/accept.rs
index 82c00ef5..a52184d9 100644
--- a/actix-server/src/accept.rs
+++ b/actix-server/src/accept.rs
@@ -403,7 +403,7 @@ impl Accept {
 
                         // after the sleep a Timer interest is sent to Accept Poll
                         let waker = self.waker.clone();
-                        System::current().worker().spawn(async move {
+                        System::current().arbiter().spawn(async move {
                             sleep_until(Instant::now() + Duration::from_millis(510)).await;
                             waker.wake(WakerInterest::Timer);
                         });
diff --git a/actix-server/src/test_server.rs b/actix-server/src/test_server.rs
index 4b7f7873..864f391c 100644
--- a/actix-server/src/test_server.rs
+++ b/actix-server/src/test_server.rs
@@ -48,7 +48,7 @@ impl TestServer {
 
         // run server in separate thread
         thread::spawn(move || {
-            let sys = System::new("actix-test-server");
+            let sys = System::new();
             factory(Server::build()).workers(1).disable_signals().run();
 
             tx.send(System::current()).unwrap();
@@ -70,7 +70,7 @@ impl TestServer {
 
         // run server in separate thread
         thread::spawn(move || {
-            let sys = System::new("actix-test-server");
+            let sys = System::new();
             let tcp = net::TcpListener::bind("127.0.0.1:0").unwrap();
             let local_addr = tcp.local_addr().unwrap();
 
diff --git a/actix-server/src/worker.rs b/actix-server/src/worker.rs
index ae387cbd..9c61e4ad 100644
--- a/actix-server/src/worker.rs
+++ b/actix-server/src/worker.rs
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@ use std::task::{Context, Poll};
 use std::time::Duration;
 
 use actix_rt::time::{sleep_until, Instant, Sleep};
-use actix_rt::{spawn, Worker as Arbiter};
+use actix_rt::{spawn, Arbiter};
 use actix_utils::counter::Counter;
 use futures_core::future::LocalBoxFuture;
 use log::{error, info, trace};
@@ -215,7 +215,7 @@ impl ServerWorker {
                     }
                     Err(e) => {
                         error!("Can not start worker: {:?}", e);
-                        Arbiter::current().stop();
+                        Arbiter::handle().stop();
                     }
                 }
                 wrk.await
@@ -386,7 +386,7 @@ impl Future for ServerWorker {
                 let num = num_connections();
                 if num == 0 {
                     let _ = tx.take().unwrap().send(true);
-                    Arbiter::current().stop();
+                    Arbiter::handle().stop();
                     return Poll::Ready(());
                 }
 
@@ -394,7 +394,7 @@ impl Future for ServerWorker {
                 if Pin::new(t2).poll(cx).is_ready() {
                     let _ = tx.take().unwrap().send(false);
                     self.shutdown(true);
-                    Arbiter::current().stop();
+                    Arbiter::handle().stop();
                     return Poll::Ready(());
                 }
 
diff --git a/actix-server/tests/test_server.rs b/actix-server/tests/test_server.rs
index 8d93ba0b..86ec25e6 100644
--- a/actix-server/tests/test_server.rs
+++ b/actix-server/tests/test_server.rs
@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@ fn test_bind() {
     let (tx, rx) = mpsc::channel();
 
     let h = thread::spawn(move || {
-        let sys = actix_rt::System::new("test");
+        let sys = actix_rt::System::new();
         let srv = sys.block_on(lazy(|_| {
             Server::build()
                 .workers(1)
@@ -47,7 +47,7 @@ fn test_listen() {
     let (tx, rx) = mpsc::channel();
 
     let h = thread::spawn(move || {
-        let sys = actix_rt::System::new("test");
+        let sys = actix_rt::System::new();
         let lst = net::TcpListener::bind(addr).unwrap();
         sys.block_on(async {
             Server::build()
@@ -81,7 +81,7 @@ fn test_start() {
     let (tx, rx) = mpsc::channel();
 
     let h = thread::spawn(move || {
-        let sys = actix_rt::System::new("test");
+        let sys = actix_rt::System::new();
         let srv = sys.block_on(lazy(|_| {
             Server::build()
                 .backlog(100)
@@ -150,7 +150,7 @@ fn test_configure() {
 
     let h = thread::spawn(move || {
         let num = num2.clone();
-        let sys = actix_rt::System::new("test");
+        let sys = actix_rt::System::new();
         let srv = sys.block_on(lazy(|_| {
             Server::build()
                 .disable_signals()