Commentary on the Report by Ma Guangdou Concerning the Improvement of Labor-Management Relations [1] (June 2, 1952)

Comrade Peng Zhen [2]: In addition to affirming that capitalists possess the “three rights,” it should also be made clear to them that they are prohibited from retaliating against workers; otherwise, legal action will be taken. This is to prevent capitalists from becoming overbearing and demoralizing the workers.

Mao Zedong June 2  Printed from the manuscript.

Notes  [1] This commentary was written on a document submitted to the Central Committee by the Office of the United Front Work Department of the CPC Central Committee. The document stated that on May 6, 1952, Ma Guangdou, Deputy Director of the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Labor, delivered a report at the Music Hall in Zhongshan Park on how to improve labor-management relations. The report elicited differing reactions from the capitalist and worker sides. Capitalists who attended were very satisfied, believing that the government had explicitly recognized their “three rights” (namely, ownership of property, management authority, and the right to hire and fire), thereby safeguarding their legitimate rights and interests. However, some capitalists grew increasingly arrogant as a result, resorting to sarcasm, reprisals, or threats against workers and shop assistants; others sought pretexts to close down their businesses and lay off employees; and still others used their confidants to attack those who had been active in the Five-Anti Campaign. Meanwhile, the majority of workers and shop assistants, witnessing the capitalists’ smugness and high-handedness, began to express doubt and dissatisfaction with the policy.

[2] Peng Zhen was then Secretary of the CPC Beijing Municipal Committee and Mayor of the Beijing Municipal People’s Government.