Chinese Firm Criticized for Firing Single Employees

Shuntian Group, a Chinese chemical company, faced

for announcing a policy to single and divorced employees by September. Established in 2001 in Shandong Province, the company required employees aged 28-58 to marry by September, or they would lose their jobs. Those unmarried by March had to submit self-criticism reports, while those still single by June were closely monitored.

The policy

, leading the local Human Resources and Social Security Bureau to . The company later withdrew the policy, confirming no would occur. Legal experts, such as Yan Tian from Peking University, criticized the policy as a of personal rights.

This controversy highlights China’s

, as marriage and birth rates decline due to economic pressures and changing attitudes. Some local governments now offer to encourage marriage, such as a 1,500-yuan reward in Shanxi Province. Shanghai also promotes “childbirth-friendly” job policies.

The incident reflects broader concerns about personal freedoms and demographic policies in China.