Chinese Company Retracts Marriage Mandate for Single Employees After Legal and Public Backlash

Shuntian Chemical Group in Shandong province withdrew its controversial policy following criticism and intervention from labor authorities.

Shuntian Chemical Group issued a policy requiring unmarried employees aged 28-58 to marry by September 30, 2025, or face termination.
The policy was criticized for labeling single employees as disloyal and not adhering to traditional values such as filial piety and loyalty.
Public backlash and intervention from local labor authorities led to the policy being withdrawn, as it violated Chinese labor laws.
The policy was introduced in the context of China's ongoing efforts to address its declining birthrate and aging population.
China's marriage rate has fallen significantly, with 2024 marking the third consecutive year of population decline, despite government initiatives to encourage marriage and family formation.