Overview
- StarYu hired about 440 new graduates in July 2026 and in early August HR held one‑on‑one talks that presented new hires with a two‑choice scheme to resign for minimal pay or be reassigned to factory line work.
- The company ended labor contracts with 107 graduates, prompting public outrage, a company apology and intervention from the Changzhou human resources bureau to provide one‑on‑one job referrals.
- StarYu announced remedial measures for the affected graduates that include a three‑month job‑seeking living subsidy, free dorm accommodation and a six‑month wage guarantee if they remain unemployed by the end of November.
- The disciplinary file published on September 7 shows Chairman and GM Zhou Xiaoping will have 12 months’ salary deducted, Vice GM Li Shujun faces six months’ deductions and reassignment, HR director Yu Zhiming was dismissed and other HR staff were demoted or moved.
- Local authorities found no illegal receipt of government employment subsidies and continue placement support, but the case has drawn complaints to automaker clients and ESG channels and remains a commercial and reputational risk.