The article discusses how China's labor policies changed during its shift to a market economy. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, high unemployment led to reforms allowing more job flexibility. By the late 1990s, lifelong employment was replaced by contracts, and the government stopped assigning jobs. This shift shows a big change in how China handles labor. Laws now play a bigger role in managing labor relations and rights. The goal is to balance economic growth with social stability. Policy and laws work together to protect workers and keep labor relations stable during this transition period.