A company in China, named Shuntian Chemical Group, faced intense criticism after implementing a controversial policy requiring single and divorced employees to marry by September or face termination.
The policy, which was introduced in January in Shandong province, targeted employees aged 28 to 58. Those who remained unmarried by March had to submit a self-criticism letter, while further evaluations were planned for June. Employees still single by September risked dismissal.
The company justified the move by citing traditional values, claiming that staying single was “disloyal” to the government’s push for higher marriage rates and “unfilial” toward parents. However, the policy triggered immediate public outrage. Legal experts and government authorities deemed it unconstitutional and in violation of China’s labor laws.
On February 13, the local labor bureau intervened, forcing the company to withdraw the policy within a day. Shuntian Chemical Group later confirmed that no employees had been fired.
The company’s actions sparked heated discussions online, with critics calling the policy intrusive and discriminatory.
Some questioned whether employers would next enforce childbirth requirements. Others pointed out that affected employees could seek legal compensation if dismissed.
This controversy comes amid China’s declining marriage rates. In 2023, the number of marriages fell by 20.5% compared to the previous year.
Despite all of this, the birth rate increased in 2024 for the first time since 2017, possibly influenced by cultural beliefs surrounding the Year of the Dragon. Some local governments have even introduced incentives to encourage marriage, such as cash rewards for couples who marry before 35.
