China's Supreme Court Declares 996 Work System Illegal Amid Widespread Health Concerns

The controversial "996" work system, which mandates employees work from 9 AM to 9 PM, six days a week, has been formally declared illegal by China's Supreme People's Court. This ruling, issued in August 2021, underscores a significant shift in regulatory attitudes towards extreme overtime practices prevalent in the country's tech sector, aiming to curb practices that have been linked to severe health issues and worker discontent.

The 996 system, translating to 72 working hours per week, far exceeds China's legal limit of 44 hours and has drawn extensive criticism for violating labor laws. Critics have often labeled it as "modern slavery," pointing to numerous cases of overwork-related deaths and suicides among employees. The system's illegality highlights growing governmental concern over worker welfare and social stability.

The "girlboss in tech" social media account recently commented on the stark contrast between labor conditions, stating, "> thankful protestors are yet to be introduced to 996." This observation implies that many protestors, particularly in Western contexts, may not comprehend the extreme demands placed on workers under such systems. The tweet serves as a reminder of the differing labor realities faced globally.

Companies like Alibaba and JD.com, whose founders Jack Ma and Richard Liu had previously defended intense work ethics, have faced public backlash. While some firms, such as ByteDance, have reportedly moved away from the 996 schedule, the debate continues regarding the enforcement of labor laws. The ruling by the Supreme People's Court is seen as a crucial step, though some scholars question its practical implementation.

The widespread discontent has also fueled movements like "tang ping," or "lying flat," where young Chinese workers actively reject the culture of overwork and excessive competition. This societal shift, coupled with the legal crackdown, indicates a growing demand for more humane working conditions and a reevaluation of the intense work-life balance that has characterized parts of China's economic boom.