📷 Image Credits: NDTV
A company in China has faced severe criticism and backlash after confining an employee to a ‘small dark room’ for four days in a bid to make him resign. The incident, which sparked online discussions, came to light not through the employee, but when the company, Guangzhou Duoyi Network Co. Ltd, challenged a court ruling on the case. According to reports, the firm openly disagreed with a ruling made by a district-level court, stating ‘many problems’ with the labor laws.
The story unfolded in December 2022 when the employee, Liu Linzhu, discovered he couldn’t access the company’s computer system or use his entry pass after discussing his resignation with the firm. He was taken to a dark room on a different floor, completely devoid of power supply and basic amenities, and his mobile phone was confiscated. Despite being able to leave the room ‘freely,’ he was given no tasks for four days.
After Mr. Liu’s wife reported the treatment to the police, an official notice of his termination was issued by the company, claiming he violated company policies to avoid compensation. However, Mr. Liu, a game art editor, argued that the images he viewed were necessary for his job and not inappropriate. Following legal proceedings, the lower court ruled in favor of Mr. Liu, stating that his confinement violated labor laws.
In response, the company expressed discontent with labor laws hindering economic development. Social media users reacted strongly to the incident, questioning the company’s strict policies and supporting the court’s decision. The full court document was published on the company’s Weibo account, further fueling discussions about the mistreatment of the employee and the legal implications involved in the case.
