Company Pulls Threat on Unmarried Employees
A chemical plant in Shandong, China, recently evoked nationwide ire by publishing a notice which required employees aged 28 to 58, divorced or single, to marry by September or face termination. Those unable to comply by March had to apologize, while by June, unmarried employees would be subject to review.
Public and Legal Outrage
The policy incurred severe outcry from the public as well as legal experts who found it to be unconstitutional in quote under China labor laws that prevented discrimination against employees based on the marital status. And social media users actually condemned this as an invasion of privacy.
Company’s Justification and Policy Withdrawal
The company has defended its policy by the classic values and necessity to promote marriage. However, after inspection by the Social Security Bureau of China, it became quickly rescinded and assured by officials that there would be no fired employees on account of their marital status.
Reducing Marriage Rates in China
China has been facing declining marriage rate, thus launching the initiative at local governments. In Shanxi province, married pairs under 35 get financial rewards worth 1,500 yuan aimed at encouraging marriages at an early stage.