In a tragic case that underscores the growing concerns around corporate work culture, a 30-year-old Chinese man died from multiple organ failure after working 104 consecutive days with just one day off. The incident has sparked outrage, particularly after a court in Zhejiang province found the man’s employer only 20% responsible for his death.
Identified as A’bao, the man contracted a severe pneumococcal infection, which worsened due to his weakened immune system. He passed away on June 1, 2023, following respiratory failure.
The court’s decision came after A’bao’s family sued his employer, accusing the company of negligence and overworking him. The court acknowledged that A’bao had worked an unreasonable amount of time, violating Chinese labor laws, and held the company partially liable. However, the company argued that his workload was manageable and claimed that any extra hours were voluntary.
A’bao’s grueling work schedule as a painter saw him laboring from February to May of 2023, with only one day off on April 6. He fell ill on May 25 and was admitted to the hospital three days later, where his condition rapidly deteriorated. Despite these circumstances, the court attributed only 20% of the responsibility to his employer, awarding the family a compensation of $56,000 (around ₹47 lakh).
This case has sparked fresh debate about the consequences of extreme work environments. With reports of hospitalizations, burnout, and even deaths linked to overwork, many are questioning the lack of protections for employees in high-pressure corporate settings.
