A disturbing incident in China has come to light, revealing how a company tried to force an employee to quit by locking him in a small, dark room for four days. The shocking case has resulted in a court ruling that ordered the company to compensate the employee.
Key points
The Incident Unfolds
In December 2022, Liu, an employee at Guangzhou Duoyi Network Co. Ltd., found himself suddenly unable to access his work. His admission pass was deactivated, and he couldn’t log into the company’s computer system. This unexpected development followed extensive discussions over his resignation. The company then led Liu to a room on a different floor from his usual workplace, under the pretext of “training.”
The Dark Room
The so-called training room was stark and oppressive. It lacked power, rendering it pitch black, and was furnished only with a table and chair. There were no computers, and Liu was isolated from his coworkers. For four days, Liu was given no assignments, and his phone was confiscated. Although he was allowed to leave the room and go home after work hours, the conditions were clearly intended to pressure him into quitting.
The Aftermath
Liu’s ordeal ended only when his wife reported the company’s abusive behavior to the police. On the fifth day, Liu received an official notice of termination. The company accused him of violating company rules by viewing inappropriate material and visiting irrelevant websites during work hours. However, Liu, a game art editor, argued that the images he accessed were necessary for his job.
Legal Battle
Liu took the matter to court, arguing that his confinement violated the Labour Contract Law, which mandates a safe and healthy workplace for employees. The lower court ruled in Liu’s favor, deciding that his treatment was unlawful. Liu was awarded 380,000 yuan (US$52,200) as compensation for the company’s actions during the labor dispute.
Company’s Response
Despite the court’s decision, Guangzhou Duoyi Network Co. Ltd. publicly challenged the ruling. The company posted the entire court record on its official Weibo account and expressed its dissatisfaction with the May 2024 verdict by a district-level court in Sichuan province. The company claimed that labor laws hinder economic development and accused judges of distorting facts.
Public Reaction
The case has drawn significant public attention and outrage. Many are appalled by the company’s treatment of Liu and the extreme measures taken to force his resignation. The incident has sparked discussions about labor rights and the enforcement of labor laws in China.
Broader Implications
This case highlights the broader issue of workers’ rights and the need for stringent enforcement of labor laws. The treatment of Liu underscores the potential for abuse within corporate settings and the necessity of legal protections for employees. The ruling in Liu’s favor sets a precedent for similar cases and emphasizes the importance of maintaining safe and healthy work environments.
Moving Forward
As the public continues to react to this disturbing incident, there is a growing call for better protection of workers’ rights and stricter penalties for companies that violate labor laws. Liu’s case serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and advocacy in ensuring fair treatment in the workplace.
Conclusion
The case of Liu and Guangzhou Duoyi Network Co. Ltd. is a chilling example of the lengths some companies may go to force an employee’s resignation. The court’s ruling in favor of Liu and the ordered compensation reflect a significant step towards upholding labor rights. However, the company’s public challenge to the ruling indicates ongoing tensions and the need for continuous oversight and improvement of labor laws to protect employees from such abuses.
Source: South China Morning Post
