In the world of job interviews, sweating over questions is now passé – try sweating over sprints! A Chinese manufacturing firm has found itself entangled in a legal race after allegedly firing employees who couldn’t dash 5 km (3 miles) in a scorching 30 minutes. Apparently, finishing a marathon is no longer just for athletes; it’s a test of your “hard-working spirit.”
Meet Mr. Liu, who thought he’d secured a gig at a mechanical parts factory. After acing practical tests involving electric welding and gas cutting, he thought the job was in the bag. Little did he know, there was a final challenge looming – a sweaty, 5-km dash in blistering 40-degree Celsius heat (104 degrees Fahrenheit). Talk about a “hot” new employee initiation!
With no time to train and the sun blazing, Liu managed 800 meters before heat stroke symptoms set in, leading to a graceful surrender. Instead of a finish line, he found himself back at his work desk. Unbeknownst to him, this became his ticket to the unemployment line, as he was promptly shown the door the next day.
The company’s reasoning? New recruits had to conquer this scorching sprint in 30 minutes, or they’d be deemed “lacking hard-working spirit.” But Liu wasn’t having any of it. He didn’t just run the 5 km – he ran to the courts, claiming the company never informed him of this peculiar test. The court agreed, ruling in favor of Liu and commanding the company to cough up over $1,000 in damages.
Company Allegedy Fires Employees Who Can’t Finish 3-Mile Race
