Chinese man dies after working 104 straight days with just one day off

In a case that underscores the dire consequences of overwork, a 30-year-old Chinese painter died of organ failure after enduring an intense 104-day work period with only one day of rest. According to the South China Morning Post, A’bao, who had been employed under a strict contract since February 2023, developed a severe pneumococcal infection that led to his death in June this year.
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A’bao had agreed to work on a project in Zhoushan, a city in Zhejiang province, until January this year. His schedule was grueling, with him working daily from February to May, and only taking a brief respite on April 6. On May 25, A’bao fell ill and took a sick day, but his condition worsened rapidly. Three days later, his colleagues rushed him to the hospital where doctors diagnosed him with a lung infection and respiratory failure. Despite medical efforts, A’bao died a few days later.
Following A’bao’s death, his family filed a lawsuit against his employer for gross negligence. The case gained traction when social security officials controversially ruled that his death could not be classified as a work-related injury, citing the timing of his death as a key factor. The family argued that the relentless work schedule and lack of rest directly contributed to A’bao’s demise.
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The company contended that A’bao’s workload was reasonable and that extra hours worked were voluntary. They also attributed his condition to pre-existing health issues and claimed he did not seek medical help promptly. However, the court ruled in favor of A’bao’s family, holding the employer 20% accountable for his death. The verdict highlighted that the prolonged work period was a clear breach of Chinese Labour Law, which limits work to 8 hours per day and 44 hours per week.
The court awarded A’bao’s family 400,000 yuan (approximately ₹47,19,036) in compensation, including 10,000 yuan for emotional distress. Despite the company’s appeal, the original verdict was upheld in August, marking a significant step in addressing overwork issues in China.
The case has sparked a broader discussion on labor practices and workers’ rights in China.