‘Overtime is unethical’: Chinese retail tycoon praised online for his attack on exploitative bosses in fiery ‘who gives you the right’ speech
- Supermarket magnate Yu Donglai receives widespread support on social media following speech slamming ‘long working hours’ culture
- Respected businessman pulls no punches as he lectures greedy bosses who do not respect the work-life balance of their employees
A mainland retail tycoon revered nationwide for his staff-friendly approach to business has been widely praised on social media for a speech that condemned exploitative bosses in China.
Speaking at the 2023 Supermarket China Week, which was held in mid-March, Yu Donglai, founder and chairman of the regional retail chain Pang Dong Lai in central China’s Henan province, upbraided Chinese bosses who preside over a culture of long working hours.
“Making staff work overtime is unethical and an expropriation of other people’s opportunities for growth,” said Yu.
He asked Chinese bosses: “Who gives you the right to deprive others of their time? How ignorant are you to feel proud of making others work hard? Do you know how shameless you are?”
Millions have viewed video clips of Yu’s speech on mainland social media platforms, with many people applauding his stance.
