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The tragic death of A'bao, a 30-year-old Chinese painter, after a grueling 104-day work period with only one day off, has brought to light the critical issue of overwork in China. A'bao's case, detailed in the South China Morning Post, serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences that can arise from relentless work schedules and the lack of adequate rest. A'bao was employed under a strict contract to work on a project in Zhoushan, Zhejiang province, from February to January. His daily work schedule, from February to May, with only a single day off in April, pushed him to the brink. The relentless pace of work, compounded by the lack of breaks, ultimately took a toll on A'bao's health, leading to a severe pneumococcal infection that tragically ended his life.
After A'bao's death, his family took legal action against his employer, seeking justice for their loved one. The case gained significant attention when social security officials initially ruled that his death could not be classified as a work-related injury, citing the timing of his death as a key factor. However, A'bao's family argued that his relentless work schedule and lack of rest directly contributed to his demise. This sparked a debate surrounding the responsibility of employers in ensuring the well-being of their employees, especially in the face of demanding work conditions. The legal battle that ensued highlighted the complexities of proving a direct link between overwork and a worker's death.
The company's defense rested on the claim that A'bao's workload was reasonable and that any extra hours worked were voluntary. They also attributed his illness to pre-existing health issues and suggested that he had not sought medical help promptly. Despite the company's arguments, the court ultimately ruled in favor of A'bao's family, finding the employer 20% responsible for his death. The court's verdict recognized that the prolonged work period was a clear violation of Chinese Labour Law, which mandates a maximum of 8 hours of work per day and 44 hours per week. This legal victory for A'bao's family serves as a crucial precedent, emphasizing the importance of upholding labor laws and protecting workers from the detrimental effects of overwork.
Source: Chinese man, 30, dies after 104 days of non-stop work with only 1 day off