Shi Fuliang’s Theory of Labor-Capital Relations and Its Contemporary Value (1949–1956)

Abstract

During 1949 to 1956, labor-capital conflicts remained prominent. Against this background, on the basis of absorbing and learning from the Marxist view of labor, combined with the practical experience of the "labor-capital mutual benefit" policy during the Liberation War and his understanding of socialism and capitalism, Shi Fuliang put forward his own insights on how to properly handle labor-capital relations. He elaborated his theoretical framework from three perspectives: the characteristics of labor-capital relations in that period, the implementation of the policy of benefiting both labor and capital, and the functional role of trade unions. His theoretical exploration of labor-capital governance offers valuable references for improving the modern labor-capital consultation mechanism and strengthening trade unions’ right-protection functions.