Why many Chinese are upset about Labor Day holiday
Why many Chinese are upset about Labor Day holiday
NEW DELHI: As millions in China brace for the Labor Day holiday, the enthusiasm that typically accompanies the break is notably absent this year. Hao Zeyu, an algorithm engineer, encapsulates the general sentiment as he faces a compressed holiday schedule—out of the five days off, only one counts as a genuine break due to the adjustment of working days around weekends.
As per a CNN report, the practice known as “tiaoxiu” or adjusted rest, although designed to boost consumption during holidays since its introduction in 1999, is now under scrutiny. This year, the economic backdrop is starkly different; with a post-Covid economic slump gripping the nation, workers are more concerned about job security than holiday spending. The adjustment of workdays has sparked substantial online debate and dissatisfaction, as seen in social media uproar, with hashtags criticizing the tiaoxiu policy amassing over 560 million views.
The discontent stems from heightened work demands and economic pressures—issues like a lingering property crisis, faltering foreign investment, and tepid consumer spending are exacerbating the strain on workers. This has transformed the Labor Day holiday from a time of relaxation to a source of stress, with many feeling that the restructured break offers little respite from the relentless work schedule, the CNN report said.
Christian Yao, a senior lecturer, notes that these are “very bumpy years” for China as it transitions from a manufacturing-focused to a knowledge-based economy. Workers fear job loss and doubt whether alternative employment could offer better compensation, making them reluctant to complain or take additional leave, the CNN report said.
Meanwhile, companies like Yum China offer a glimpse of flexibility, not requiring employees to work during designated “special working days.” In contrast, other companies, especially in the tech sector known for the grueling “996” work culture, are seeing a pushback against overwork.
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