Shandong Shuntian Chemical Group Co. Ltd. in China has caused a lot of commotion among government officials after its shocking announcement that it is urging its single employees to get married or get fired!
The notice was targeted at all single employees between the ages of 28 and 58, including those who were already divorced. It strongly urged the staff to get married and settle down, and it gave a deadline of the end of September this year.
According to a report published by South China Morning Post, the company had issued the notice to its "1,200-odd employees, emphasising that they work well and establish families.’’
For those that are unable to get married by the end of March, they would be required to write a ‘self-criticism’ letter. And those that still didn’t marry by the end of June, the company would conduct an "evaluation" on the individual. Lastly, if employees are still single by the end of September, they would be fired!
The company stated its initiative was to promote the spirit and cultural values of "diligence, kindness, loyalty, filial piety, and righteousness".
A company representative stated that the intention was to encourage "older unmarried employees to focus on important life decisions and motivate them to marry and settle down." However, it turned out into a rigid policy.
Obviously, the startling news went viral throughout China, with many social media users criticising the company for violating multiple laws.
One commenter wrote: "Corporate rules should not override laws or social morals," whilst others pointed out the fact that Chinese marriage law guarantees freedom of marriage.
Another said, "This crazy company should mind its own business and stay away from the personal lives of employees."
Due to public outrage, the local human resources and social security bureau issued a correction order and revoked the company's notice. According to the officials, the notice "violated relevant provisions of labour law."
Consequently, the company has since stated that its previous notice has been revoked, adding that it would "strengthen internal management, study relevant laws and regulations, and prevent such incidents from occurring again."
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