Dear Editor,  Our association has submitted a document of great importance to the labor community. We respectfully request that it be published either in the News section or in the Submissions column. We would be most grateful. Wishing you continued success in your work!  Sincerely,  Hunan Provincial Federation of Labor Unions  On the 14th, representatives of various labor organizations convened to discuss several pressing issues and their negotiations with the government. While some newspapers reported on these discussions, the coverage was scant and often inaccurate, omitting crucial details and failing to reflect the true nature of the talks. In order to ensure that all union members are fully informed of the outcome of these negotiations, we hereby set forth the facts regarding our communications with the Police Department, Changsha County, the Administrative Office, and the Governor’s Office.

The Hunan Provincial Federation of Labor Unions, together with the Yuehan Railway General Union, the Masonry and Carpentry Union, the Barbers’ Union, the Letterpress Printing Union, the Lithographic Printing Union, the Writing-Instrument Workers’ Union, the Sewing Union, the Mechanical Workers’ Union, the Rickshaw Drivers’ Union, and the Boot and Shoe Craftsmen’s Union—eleven organizations in total—have observed that labor–management disputes have been intensifying, labor organizations are growing stronger, yet the chasm between workers and the government is also widening. Moreover, official bodies often fail to address labor–management conflicts fairly. Recently, for example, the West District Police Station removed the signboard of the Rickshaw Drivers’ Union, and Changsha County sought to reseal a newly opened barbershop. Meanwhile, the writing-instrument workers’ strike remains unresolved; within the Mechanical Workers’ Union, a rift has emerged between the student faction and the apprenticeship faction; and among sewing workers, a conflict has broken out between the incumbent steward and certain colleagues. Amidst widespread rumors that the government may once again suppress the labor movement in disregard of the constitution—rumors that grow more persistent by the day—the indignation and anxiety within the labor community continue to mount. Under these circumstances, it has become imperative to engage in direct negotiations with administrative authorities at all levels.

Accordingly, a delegation of over ten representatives from these unions called upon Chief Inspector Shi of the Police Department at 11:00 a.m. on the 11th of this month, conducting talks for approximately two hours. At 3:00 p.m., they met with County Magistrate Zhou of Changsha County, again for about two hours. Later that morning, at 11:00 a.m., they were received by Director Wu of the Administrative Office, holding discussions for roughly three and a half hours. Finally, on the 13th at 11:00 a.m., they conferred with Governor Zhao for approximately one and a half hours.

The agenda for these consultations comprised ten items:  (1) Requesting the government to clarify its stance toward the labor movement;  (2) The issue of freedom of assembly and association;  (3) Articulating the labor movement’s position;  (4) Recommending regular communication between labor and government to prevent misunderstandings;  (5) Proposing the establishment of a labor arbitration tribunal;  (6) Matters concerning rickshaw drivers;  (7) Issues affecting barbers;  (8) Problems faced by writing-instrument workers;  (9) Concerns of mechanical workers; and  (10) Questions pertaining to sewing workers.

With regard to the first item—seeking the government’s position—Governor Zhao, Director Wu, Chief Inspector Shi, and County Magistrate Zhou all asserted that the government adopts a protective policy toward workers and harbors no intention of oppression. They pointed to the recent strikes across the province as evidence: the government had refrained from intervention in each instance, demonstrating its commitment to non-interference. Governor Zhao and Director Wu further noted that, despite numerous reports circulating—such as those of an impending general strike—the government dismisses such rumors as baseless and has taken no coercive measures. Governor Zhao also referred to the Huang Pang incident, explaining that Huang’s execution was due to his illegal acquisition of firearms, collusion with bandits, and incitement of a strike at the Mint. At the time, however, it was the Lunar New Year, and the military depended on copper coins issued by the Mint to meet its payroll; hence, a strike could not be tolerated. This action, therefore, was directed solely against Huang personally, not against the labor movement as a whole. The delegates expressed satisfaction with the government’s stated approach to labor issues. Nevertheless, they disputed the claims that Huang had purchased weapons, colluded with bandits, or instigated the Mint strike, asserting that such accounts were fabricated. They suggested that officials who had previously briefed the governor likely presented these fabrications as fact, and that the governor might only now be learning the truth. While the killing of one or two individuals and the closure of one or two unions undoubtedly constitute losses for the workers, they do not justify halting legitimate activities. Conversely, the government faces widespread condemnation, suffering reputational and legal repercussions that are immeasurable. This alone underscores the detrimental consequences of the estrangement between labor and government.

Turning to the second item—freedom of assembly and association—the delegates emphasized that local authorities frequently impose undue restrictions on organizing unions, insisting on prior registration before any association can be formed. However, Article 11 of the provincial constitution guarantees citizens the right to form associations and assemble peacefully without carrying arms, provided such activities do not violate the criminal code and are not subject to special legislation. There is no requirement for official approval to establish an organization; if such approval were mandated, it would place unions at the mercy of arbitrary discretion, thereby negating the very spirit of the constitutional provision. Similarly, recent assemblies have often been infiltrated by plainclothes agents who seek to disrupt proceedings, or even forcibly dispersed by armed police. Yet the constitution affirms the people’s absolute freedom to assemble peacefully without weapons, free from unwarranted interference. Governors Zhao, Wu, Inspectors Shi and Zhou all affirmed that the constitution remains fully valid so long as citizens abide by the law, in which case the government should refrain from intervening. During their meeting at the Administrative Office, the delegates further argued that laws should govern actions rather than intentions. Historically, the government has justified its interference in assembly, association, and publication on the grounds that certain intentions behind such activities might lead to violations of the criminal code—arguments that run counter to the fundamental purpose of the law. If the government were to act solely on speculative or conjectural motives without any concrete evidence of wrongdoing, it would effectively justify intervention in virtually every conceivable situation under the pretext of preventing future offenses. The delegates cited Britain’s policy of tolerating the Communist Party—as long as its members remained within the bounds of the law—and only taking action when the party engaged in unlawful conduct, such as revolutionary activity, as a relevant example. Director Wu acknowledged that legal theory recognizes both “motivational” and “behavioral” approaches, and while contemporary jurisprudence tends to prioritize the latter, he conceded that if specific motivations are found to carry a high risk of criminal activity, intervention may still be warranted. The delegates, however, maintained that unless there is clear evidence of actual harm or violation of the law, no interference should occur, citing France and the United Kingdom’s practice of not prohibiting the possession of firearms until incidents of shooting or homicide arise as supporting evidence.

Regarding the third item—clarifying the labor movement’s position—the delegates stated that workers aspire to socialism because it aligns with their interests. However, given China’s current political landscape, which is fundamentally based on the principle of popular sovereignty, achieving socialism remains challenging at present. Official statements sometimes portray workers as advocates of anarchism, but this characterization is entirely misleading. Workers do not subscribe to anarchism, as it would be profoundly detrimental to their well-being. As for their attitude toward the existing government, so long as the authorities treat workers with goodwill, the labor movement harbors no ill will. In recent years, workers have undertaken various campaigns—collectively referred to as the “labor movement”—aimed at alleviating their hardships through increased wages, reduced working hours, and improved working conditions. These efforts, however, are not intended to advance any particular political agenda. Only “banner unions”—sham organizations established to serve partisan interests—are susceptible to exploitation by political factions; genuine industrial or occupational unions remain independent and unaffected. Regrettably, the government often assumes that any worker protest must be orchestrated by political forces, a misconception that has led to misguided policies and strained relations with the labor movement. The delegates urged the government to distinguish between banner unions manipulated by political actors and authentic unions genuinely dedicated to addressing workers’ grievances, lest improper handling exacerbate tensions. Governors Zhao, Wu, Inspectors Shi and Zhou all concurred that workers’ attitudes toward the government should be viewed in this light. Directors Wu and Shi noted that socialism represents a progressive ideal that may eventually be realized, though it remains unattainable at present. Magistrate Zhou, on the other hand, advocated for mutual concession between labor and management to avoid causing greater social disruption. Governor Zhao likewise acknowledged the potential for socialism in the future, while stressing the need to prioritize industrial development and encouraging workers to endure temporary hardships. The delegates, however, contended that the government bears a responsibility to compel employers to make concessions, thereby preventing confrontations between workers and management.

Concerning the fourth item—regular communication between labor and government—the delegates argued that the lack of such dialogue is a primary source of misunderstanding. When the government remains aloof and workers are relegated to the margins, intermediaries are prone to spreading misinformation—for instance, the recent rumors of impending government repression of strikes, or last year’s Huang Pang case. Furthermore, while employers readily engage with government officials, workers are often excluded from these channels. Lower-level bureaucrats, influenced by biased information or lacking a thorough understanding of the situation, tend to issue hasty and ill-considered directives, resulting in repeated reversals of decisions and eroding public trust. Such patterns have been particularly prevalent in recent months, including the ongoing rickshaw driver dispute. The delegates urged the government to establish regular, open lines of communication with workers, especially in critical cases, engaging in dialogue before taking any decisive action. Governors Zhao, Wu, and Inspectors Shi and Zhou all endorsed this view. Director Wu expressed a strong desire to increase direct engagement with workers in order to better understand their living conditions, provided that union representatives truly represent the majority. Governor Zhao suggested that in the future, the provincial executive council should assume full responsibility, leaving the governorship as a largely ceremonial post, with more authority delegated to the council.  With respect to the fifth item—labor arbitration tribunals—the delegates observed that the increasing frequency of labor–management disputes has exposed the limitations of ordinary administrative and judicial bodies in addressing such matters effectively. Given the specialized knowledge required to render impartial judgments in labor disputes, they recommended that the government follow Guangdong’s example and establish a dedicated labor arbitration tribunal. Chief Inspector Shi and County Magistrate Zhou expressed strong support for this proposal. Magistrate Zhou even volunteered to serve as a mediator in all labor-related disputes pending the tribunal’s establishment, while Director Wu suggested that the provincial legislature pass relevant legislation authorizing the government to create the tribunal. Governor Zhao likewise indicated his willingness to advocate for this measure before the legislature.  Moving on to the sixth item—matters concerning the rickshaw drivers’ union—the delegates recounted their discussion with the Police Department. They explained that the Changsha Rickshaw Drivers’ Union, organized in accordance with Article 11 of the provincial constitution and comprising over 1,800 members, operates with a highly structured framework. Despite this, the West District Police Station suddenly removed the union’s signboard, citing an alleged “unauthorized assembly” and employing harsh language. The officers involved displayed considerable hostility, slamming tables and chairs and hurling insults, showing blatant disrespect for the workers’ dignity. Rumors have circulated suggesting collusion between union leaders and police officials, though this remains unconfirmed. The other unions were deeply alarmed, fearing that the removal of the rickshaw drivers’ signboard could set a dangerous precedent, potentially leading to the dismantling of other unions—a clear violation of Article 11 of the provincial constitution. Upon hearing these concerns, Chief Inspector Shi expressed surprise, stating that he had issued no such order. He subsequently acknowledged the union’s formal registration and promised to approve its operations promptly, while advising workers to disregard any claims made by Mr. Wu Hesheng, asserting that such sham unions would inevitably collapse. The delegates accepted this response.  For the seventh item—issues facing barbers—the delegates raised these matters with both Changsha County and the Administrative Office, pointing out that the original ruling violated the provincial constitution’s guarantee of freedom of commerce and that longstanding informal practices at barber shops should be abolished, with a fairer revenue-sharing arrangement of 40/60 being the most equitable solution. Magistrate Zhou agreed to suspend enforcement of the original judgment and allow the county authorities to revise it accordingly, while also ordering the release of worker Luo Meixiang from custody. Director Wu, however, denied issuing any new instructions to Changsha County to enforce the original ruling, claiming he was unaware of the matter—an indication of the serious flaws in the case. He nevertheless agreed to proceed in accordance with a resolution passed by the provincial legislature. Should no such resolution be adopted, the labor movement itself could submit a petition to amend the unjust decision.  Regarding the eighth item—writing-instrument workers’ strike—the delegates engaged in discussions with Changsha County. They detailed the difficult living conditions faced by the workers and criticized the employer’s refusal to resolve the underlying issues, driving them to desperation. Magistrate Zhou pledged to mediate the dispute, convening representatives of both sides at the county office on a regular basis, starting on the 11th.  For the ninth item—concerns of mechanical workers—the delegates held talks at the Administrative Office. Director Wu initially inquired whether the students’ faction’s allegations were accurate. In response, the delegates outlined how the union had been co-opted by various external forces since its inception, leaving genuine workers unable to exert meaningful influence, and described their recent efforts to restore the union’s integrity through transparent elections and a name change. Director Wu agreed to address these issues substantively, refusing to accept the students’ version of events out of hand.  Lastly, concerning the tenth item—sewing workers—the delegates met with Changsha County to explain that the incumbent steward’s refusal to hand over the union’s assets and records represented a minority opinion opposed by the majority. Magistrate Zhou agreed to take on the role of mediator, scheduling another round of talks at the county office on the morning of the 11th, bringing both sides together to resolve the dispute.  Delegates from the Hunan Provincial Federation of Labor Unions: Mao Runzhi, Yang Yirun; from the Yuehan Railway General Union: Guo Liang, Xu Zhongyun; from the Masonry and Carpentry Union: Ren Shude, Qiu Shousong; from the Barbers’ Union: Wang Zishou, Yang Qiusheng, Ma Ziqiang; from the Sewing Union: Tang Bi, Zhang Hanfan, Zheng Tiesheng; from the Writing-Instrument Workers’ Union: Zheng Yingkui, Zhang Bingsheng; from the Letterpress Printing Union: Xiao Ru, Liu Maonan; from the Lithographic Printing Union: Tan Yingzhu, Zhang Haiping; from the Rickshaw Drivers’ Union: Huang Jie, Luo Rongxi; from the Mechanical Workers’ Union: Wang Lusheng, Xiao Kaizhen; and from the Boot and Shoe Craftsmen’s Union: Li Binggan.