Chinese Company Withdraws 'Marry or Quit' Policy After Backlash
A recent notification from a company in Shandong Province, China, has sparked widespread discussion and criticism on social media. The notification, issued by the Shandong Shuntian Chemical Industry Group, required single employees aged 28 to 58 to get married and start a family by September 30, or face dismissal. The company's intention was to "help and encourage" single employees to focus on their personal lives and start a family, but the approach was deemed too simplistic and coercive, violating China's Labor Law and Labor Contract Law.
14 February 2025
The company's responsible persons explained that the initial intention was to assist and motivate long-term single employees to devote time and energy to solving their personal marital issues. However, the method was overly simplistic and turned the initiative into a rigid system. In response, the local authorities intervened and issued a rectification order, revoking the regulation. The Shandong Shuntian Chemical Industry Group has since withdrawn the notification and promised to strengthen internal management, study relevant laws and regulations, and prevent similar incidents from happening again.
The incident has raised concerns about the boundaries between an employer's responsibilities and an employee's personal life, as well as the potential consequences of such intrusive policies on employees' well-being and autonomy. The public reacted with outrage and dissatisfaction towards the company's behavior, considering the mandatory marriage requirement for employees to be unlawful and unethical. Many netizens expressed their discontent, with some calling the company's actions "ridiculous" and "an overstep of boundaries." Others questioned the company's true motives, suggesting that the real intention behind the policy was not to promote the well-being of employees, but rather to control their personal lives.
The company's actions may have negative consequences on its reputation, and it may even face legal repercussions. Relevant departments will also strengthen their supervision of enterprises to prevent similar incidents from happening again. The company's behavior is not only a violation of labor laws but also an overstep of its authority, interfering with employees' personal lives. This kind of paternalistic culture, where the boss has absolute power, can lead to employees feeling disrespected and powerless. As a result, the company may face a loss of talent, decreased employee morale, and a damaged reputation. Furthermore, the incident may also lead to increased scrutiny from regulatory bodies, which could result in fines, penalties, or even legal action.
In response to the controversy, a representative from Shuntian Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. stated that the company has received a notification from the local human resources and social security bureau, indicating that the policy has been revoked. The company has since made amendments and will no longer enforce the rule requiring employees to get married or face termination. The company has acknowledged the error and pledged to strengthen internal management, thoroughly study relevant laws and regulations, and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. The widespread criticism and backlash ultimately led to the company being forced to retract its policy and issue an apology, highlighting the need for companies to respect employees' rights and boundaries.
