Chinese Court Rules in Favor of Former Employee Terminated for Taking a Nap at Work

A Landmark Ruling for Worker Rights

A court in China has made a significant ruling in favor of a former department manager who was terminated for taking an hour-long nap after working late hours. The company, a chemical company based in Taixing, Jiangsu province, was ordered to pay the employee 350,000 yuan (RM214,463) in compensation.

The Incident

According to the South China Morning Post, the incident occurred when Zhang, a 20-year veteran of the company, was assigned to work late hours. He worked until midnight the previous day and then returned to the office the next day, where he fell asleep at his desk. Security cameras recorded the incident, and the company’s HR department documented the event.

The Termination Notice

The company’s HR department issued a termination notice to Zhang, citing his behavior as a serious breach of the company’s zero-tolerance discipline policy. The notice stated that the company had decided to terminate his employment, ending all labor relations between him and the company.

The Court’s Ruling

However, the court found the company’s decision to be disproportionate, noting that sleeping on the job was a first-time offense that caused no significant harm to the company. The court also took into account Zhang’s 20 years of service, during which he received promotions and salary increases.

A Precedent for Reasonable Disciplinary Measures

The case sets a precedent for reasonable disciplinary measures, particularly when considering an employee’s overall work history and circumstances leading to the incident. The ruling suggests that companies should not take drastic measures against employees for minor mistakes, especially if they have a good work record.

Public Response

The verdict has sparked discussion about worker rights on Chinese social media. Some users commented that the ruling was a legitimate court decision, while others expressed shock and disbelief at the amount of compensation awarded. One user stated, “Napping at work is indeed wrong, but the company’s actions were too harsh. If minor mistakes can lead to dismissal, it makes firing employees far too easy.”

Conclusion

The court’s ruling is a significant victory for worker rights in China. It highlights the importance of considering an employee’s overall work history and circumstances when imposing disciplinary measures. The case also underscores the need for companies to adopt more reasonable and proportionate approaches to employee discipline.

FAQs

Q: What was the reason for Zhang’s termination?
A: Zhang was terminated for taking an hour-long nap at his desk after working late hours.

Q: How much compensation was awarded to Zhang?
A: The court ordered the company to pay Zhang 350,000 yuan (RM214,463) in compensation.

Q: What was the company’s reason for terminating Zhang?
A: The company cited Zhang’s behavior as a serious breach of its zero-tolerance discipline policy.

Q: What was the court’s ruling?
A: The court found the company’s decision to be disproportionate and ordered the company to pay Zhang compensation.