Workers ‘want right to choose jobs’

Press, 6 January 1987, Page 26

Workers ‘want right to choose jobs’

NZPA-Reuter Peking

Most Chinese workers want the right to' choose their jobs even at the risk of being sacked rather than settling for total security in a Stateassigned post, an official survey said.

The New China News Agency said the survey of 49,278 workers showed most favour reforms which they hope will improve job prospects.

Under new laws introduced on October 1 last year, people employed in State-run enterprises can be sacked for shoddy work or if their firms go bankrupt — a radical change from the previous “iron ricebowl” policy guaranteeing life-time employment. People hired after that

date sign contracts with enterprises for one, two or three years. They will be able to change jobs after that, with permission from employers. At present, almost all 70 million workers in State enterprises are assigned to their jobs and remain in their work units for the rest of their lives.

The survey showed 70 per cent of those interviewed want to choose their own jobs and almost 89 per cent consider it reasonable to sack unqualified employees, the agency said.

But it said more than half agreed with the statement: “Even if I am not interested in the job I’m holding now, I dare not resign in the hope of finding a new job.”

Almost all those sur-

veyed — more than half of them aged under 40 — said enterprises unable to pay their debts should go bankrupt, the agency said. China last month passed a trial law to force lossmaking firms out of business and give State firms more freedom to run themselves. The landmark legislation was opposed by some leaders who said the time was ; not ripe.

The survey showed 82 per cent believe market forces, now allowed to work for some luxury items, are superior to a State-controlled distribution system which controls most basic goods. But three-quarters said pensions, under which workers get the same salary after retirement, should be continued.