Research Article
History and Legacy of the Chinese Labour Movement
서강대학교 동아연구소
Published: January 2012 · Vol. 62, No. 0 · pp. 155-198
DOI: https://doi.org/10.33334/sieas.2012.31.1.155
Full Text
Abstract
This paper analyzed the temporary workers` struggle at the Cultural Revolution periods in China, especially studying on the leading national organization, Quanhongzong(全紅總), and examined the contemporary meaning of that. The temporary workers were the first to made their regional or national organization, which were united by lateral coalition. They made an attempt to gain political and economic rights, and to break the existing structural limits, separated by hukou and unit. Chinese leaders were very sensitive about these way, which were beyond the unit, sector or area. And they made efforts to restore the part of the unit with a focus on cellular, vertical control structures. However, the temporary workers` organization continually demanded the improvement of the discriminatory and oppressive system. In particular, Quanhongzong adopted the doctrine and asked for equal pay for equal work, retraction of contract worker system and discriminatory rules, equal wages and welfare treatment with full-time workers. A goal of the temporary workers` struggle is a labor rights and the right to live, in this sense, their action can be acclaimed as the independent labor movement. Before the CR, the people were an isolated and passive element, but they were shared the consciousness on the labor matter through meeting people who own a similar situation in the change of political environment. In short, the chaotic situation like CR, paradoxically made a collective behavior through nationwide exchange of ``isolated`` workers within area or unit. In this process, the temporary workers were increasingly gained the power of public awareness. This innovative conversion had significant impacts in the formation of workers` class consciousness and identity.
