THE LONGEST SHIFT: 104 Days Without a Break, a Recipe for Disaster

A Chinese court has ruled in favor of the family of a 30-year-old painter who died from organ failure after working 104 consecutive days without adequate rest. The court found the company liable for 20% of the damages, citing flagrant violations of labor laws.

Abao, the deceased, had been working on a project in Zhaoshan City, East China Province, since February 2023. His grueling schedule, which included only one day off in 104 days, ultimately led to his demise.

The court’s decision comes after Abao’s family filed a lawsuit against the company, alleging gross negligence. Despite the company’s claims that Abao’s workload was reasonable and his extra hours were voluntary, the court determined that his death was caused by a pneumococcal infection and multiple organ failure, likely exacerbated by his weakened immune system.

The ruling highlights the consequences of China’s demanding work culture and the need for stricter enforcement of labor laws. The company has appealed the decision, but the original verdict was upheld in August, ordering them to pay 400,000 yuan in damages.