Introduction

Ningde Times, also known as Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL) in Europe and the United States, has recently come under the spotlight following reports of its alleged implementation of an 896 work schedule and a 100-day “struggle” campaign for its employees. This news comes just days after the company denied accusations of forced labor made by U.S. lawmakers, raising concerns about the company’s labor practices and the well-being of its workers.

CATL is a leading global manufacturer of lithium-ion batteries, headquartered in Ningde, Fujian Province, China. The company supplies batteries to various electric vehicle manufacturers, including internationally renowned brands such as Tesla, BMW, Daimler, Volkswagen, and Volvo. CATL’s battery technology and production scale are widely recognized worldwide, and the company is considered one of the leaders in the electric vehicle battery industry.

The Alleged 896 Work Schedule and 100-Day “Struggle” Campaign

According to circulating documents online, Ningde Times (CATL) has reportedly called upon its employees to embark on a 100-day “struggle” campaign. The notice states that due to the increasing complexity and competition in the new energy vehicle market, the company is urging employees to dedicate more time to their work, starting from June 12th. The proposed schedule, known as “896,” requires employees to work from 8 am to 9 pm, six days a week, for a total of 100 days.

The notice also mentions that employees at certain levels (JG7-8) must obtain approval from their direct managers for any leave requests, including leaving before 9 pm. Higher-level employees (JG9-10) need approval from second-level organization leaders and report to the director, while those at JG11 and above require approval from the director.

Supplementary Notice and Exemptions

A supplementary notice reportedly states that foreign employees are not obligated to participate in the campaign and can do so according to their own wishes. This distinction between local and foreign employees has raised questions about the true nature of the “struggle” campaign and whether it is genuinely voluntary or a form of coercion.

Previous Instances of the “100-Day Struggle” Campaign

Notably, this is not the first time Ningde Times (CATL) has implemented such a campaign. A 2022 report mentioned that the “100-day struggle” had become a regular occurrence at the company, with most departments following an “896” or “8106” schedule (8 am to 9 pm or 10 pm, with only one day off per week). The report also stated that long-term employees had grown accustomed to the overtime, as they faced numerous 100-day campaigns following the conclusion of the first one.

Employee Compensation and Working Conditions

In February 2023, an employee of Ningde Times (CATL) shared their salary information on the social media platform Xiaohongshu, revealing a monthly income of 23,900 yuan (approximately $3,400) for January 2024. While this salary may seem attractive to some, concerns have been raised about the long working hours and the potential impact on employees’ work-life balance and overall well-being.

Public Reaction and Social Context

The news of Ningde Times’ (CATL) alleged 896 work schedule and 100-day “struggle” campaign has sparked a heated discussion among Chinese netizens. Many have expressed their disappointment and frustration with the company’s apparent disregard for its employees’ well-being, especially in light of its recent denial of forced labor accusations.

Some netizens have pointed out the irony of the situation, with one commenting, “The hypocrisy is astounding. We’re apparently doing very well.” Others have highlighted the potential consequences of such practices, with another netizen stating, “With high-intensity work and low wages, we can roll over any competitor when it comes to producing anything.”

The issue of forced donations has also been brought up, with one netizen questioning, “If even donations are mandatory, what about this [‘struggle’ campaign]?” This sentiment reflects the growing concern among the public about the pressure employees face to comply with company demands, even when they may be detrimental to their well-being.

The controversy surrounding Ningde Times’ (CATL) labor practices is not an isolated incident in China. In recent years, there has been increasing scrutiny of the country’s tech industry and its notorious “996” work culture (9 am to 9 pm, six days a week). The grueling work schedules and intense pressure to perform have led to burnout, health issues, and even deaths among employees, prompting calls for reform and better protection of workers’ rights.

Conclusion

The allegations of Ningde Times’ (CATL) 896 work schedule and 100-day “struggle” campaign have once again brought the issue of labor rights and employee well-being in China’s tech industry to the forefront. While the company has denied accusations of forced labor, the reports of its demanding work schedules and pressure on employees have raised concerns among the public and international observers.

As China continues to position itself as a global leader in technology and manufacturing, it is crucial for companies like Ningde Times (CATL) to prioritize the well-being of their employees and ensure that their labor practices align with international standards and expectations.

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