A 2019 dispute in China is once again trending on social media, concerning an employee who was fired under the pretext of taking sick leave. The company cited a record of 16,000 steps on a fitness app. The court ruled in favor of the employee, declaring the misuse of private data illegal.
Sick Leave Privacy Dispute: A 2019 case from China's Jiangsu province is now being discussed on social media, concerning an employee who was dismissed for taking sick leave. The company claimed that on the same day, his fitness app recorded 16,000 steps. The employee presented medical reports, and the court declared the company's use of private data illegal, ordering compensation. This case revives the debate on technological surveillance and privacy rights.
Employee Fired Over Sick Leave
A 2019 case in China has recently gained attention on social media, where an employee was dismissed under the pretext of taking sick leave. The company claimed that on the day he took leave, his fitness app recorded that he had walked 16,000 steps. Based on this, the company accused him of feigning illness and terminated his employment.
The employee immediately approached the court, asserting that he had medical reports, while the company presented chat logs and surveillance footage. After investigation, the court found that the company had illegally used private data and ordered it to compensate the employee. The company's appeal was also rejected by the court.
The 2019 Case, Back in Discussion
This case dates back to 2019 when an employee named Chen, residing in Jiangsu province, had previously received medical leave due to a back injury. After recovering from the injury, the doctor advised him a week of rest, but the company did not accept this and dismissed him.
After this case was posted on social media, the debate on technological surveillance and privacy has reignited. Experts state that using fitness apps and digital data in employment decisions can be risky.
The Court's Decision and the Privacy Issue
The court clarified that the employee was unlawfully dismissed and that his privacy was violated. Along with the order to compensate the company, the message was also conveyed that the misuse of personal health data can lead to severe legal consequences.
According to experts, this case serves as a warning to other companies that digital monitoring should only be used in a limited and legal manner. Respecting employees' health and privacy rights is essential.
