KFC Faces Backlash Over Employee Working 29 Hours Straight
A recent incident at a KFC store in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China, has sparked widespread attention and discussion after the store publicly praised an employee for continuously working 29 hours. The employee, a cake decorator, was commended by the store for their dedication and hard work in preparing products for Valentine's Day, with the store's leadership deciding to reward them with a 1,000 yuan bonus. However, this move has raised concerns about labor rights and the potential promotion of overtime work culture.
19 February 2025
According to a statement released by the store, two employees voluntarily stayed overnight at the store to prepare products for Valentine's Day, working continuously for 29 hours. The store's announcement also instructed staff to compile a list of employees who worked more than 20 hours on that day. When questioned about the incident, the store manager claimed to be unaware of the employees' overtime situation, stating that the store typically operates on standard working hours, divided into morning, noon, and evening shifts, with no regular overtime, especially during holidays.
In contrast, an employee from the store revealed that the commended staff members were cake decorators who continued with their production work. The customer service center also responded, stating that they had not received any notification about the incident and would need to verify the information with the store's management. Regarding the issue of prolonged overtime, a representative from the Chengdu High-Tech Zone Labor Inspection Team noted that according to labor laws, the monthly overtime limit is 36 hours. As of now, no complaints have been filed, but the team will closely monitor the situation and initiate an investigation if any complaints are received.
The public has reacted strongly to the incident, with many netizens expressing opposition to the lengthy overtime, considering it a violation of labor law regulations. Concerns have been raised about the physical health and rights of employees, with some commenting that rewarding employees for working 29 hours straight sets a dangerous precedent and may encourage similar practices in other companies. Others have questioned the ethical implications of such a practice, emphasizing the importance of protecting employee well-being while promoting productivity.
The incident has sparked a broader discussion about labor rights and worker protection in China, with some arguing that more needs to be done to ensure that companies comply with labor laws and regulations. The labor inspection team of the Chengdu High-Tech Zone has stepped forward, stating their intent to closely monitor the situation. Should any complaints arise, they pledge to initiate an investigation, highlighting the need for a balanced approach to work and labor rights. As the investigation unfolds, it is expected to set a precedent for how companies manage work hours and prioritize employee health, potentially leading to a review of labor practices across the industry.
