A company in southern China has sparked public outrage for mandating that its staff use the toilet during specific time slots, contending that this policy aligns with an ancient Chinese medicine text.
Three Brothers Machine Manufacturing Company, situated in Foshan, Guangdong province, introduced the Toilet Usage Management Rule on February 11, aiming to maintain order, enhance efficiency, and correct workplace attitudes.
The Yangcheng Evening News reported that the company referenced the Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon, or Huang Di Nei Jing, asserting that the guideline was intended for the health of its employees.
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Compiled over 2,000 years ago, this foundational text is recognised as the earliest and most significant written work in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), often referred to as the “origin of medicine” in China, providing essential theories for TCM.
According to the company’s policy, workers are permitted to use the toilet before 8am, from 10.30am to 10.40am, between 12 noon and 1.30pm, from 3.30pm to 3.40pm, and from 5.30pm to 6pm. Employees on overtime shifts are allowed to use the facilities after 9pm.
During other time periods, if workers urgently need to urinate, they may do so but must limit their time to two minutes.
The company has also imposed strict bans on toilet use at certain times in the morning and afternoon, including those on overtime shifts.
Employees with “special physical conditions” requiring bathroom access during restricted intervals may apply to the human resources department for approval, although their salaries will be deducted for the time spent.
The company stated it would monitor employees through surveillance cameras, imposing fines of 100 yuan on those who violate the rule.
The rule was scheduled for a pilot run until the end of February, with official implementation planned for March 1.
An employee, whose identity remains undisclosed, confirmed the validity of the rule to the newspaper, though the report did not specify the workforce size.
Chen Shixing, a lawyer from Guangdong Yiyue Law Firm, remarked that the rule contravenes labour laws by jeopardising employees’ health.
The law mandates that any changes to worker salaries, hours, rest periods, holidays, or safety protocols must involve discussions at conferences attended by all employees or their representatives to secure mutual agreement.
According to Chen, workers have the right to criticise and report any mandates that threaten their safety or well-being.
The company has faced significant backlash since its toilet usage policy became public.
“It is unscrupulous! It even claims to be based on Huang Di Nei Jing. However, that text advises against working after dusk and emphasises the need for ample rest. Isn’t the company ignoring that?” questioned one irate online commenter.
“Anyone with common sense can see this rule is an arbitrary decision made by its management,” remarked an editorial in the Beijing News. “It exemplifies an authoritarian approach in this enterprise, suggesting a harsh management style towards its employees.”
On February 13, the company announced its decision to revoke the rule in response to widespread objections from its workers, as updated by the Yangcheng Evening News.
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