As Shenzhen finds itself under the shadow of another pandemic wave, cross-border e-commerce businesses, particularly those relying on Amazon's platform, are confronting unprecedented challenges. Lockdown measures have disrupted shipping operations, caused logistics stagnation, and thrown business rhythms into chaos. Under intense survival pressure, some companies have resorted to questionable practices, including disguised layoffs to reduce operational costs, sparking widespread labor disputes.
The "30-Hour Overtime Mandate" and Corporate Culture Reflection
A recent incident involving a Shenzhen-based e-commerce company has drawn public outrage after it implemented a compulsory overtime policy. The company's HR department issued a notice requiring operations and development staff to complete at least 30 hours of overtime monthly, mandating employees to clock out no earlier than 8:30 PM while offering a meal subsidy capped at 20 yuan. Employees failing to meet the 30-hour threshold would face a 300-yuan "voluntary donation" deducted from their performance pay.
While overtime work is common in the cross-border e-commerce sector, especially during peak seasons when employees voluntarily work extra hours to meet targets and boost earnings, institutionalizing mandatory overtime and enforcing it through financial penalties demonstrates a lack of human consideration and potentially violates China's Labor Law. Employees could legally terminate their contracts under such circumstances and claim compensation.
This approach essentially seeks performance growth through employee exploitation. However, such high-pressure tactics rarely motivate staff, often resulting in low morale and negative workplace atmosphere. More reasonable solutions include establishing humane overtime compensation systems and flexible leave policies, arranging overtime based on actual needs to achieve mutual benefits for both employers and employees.
Production Suspension: Survival Strategy or Disguised Layoffs?
Many Shenzhen e-commerce companies have already implemented layoffs and salary cuts to reduce operational costs. As industry conditions continue deteriorating, some major sellers have begun adopting "production suspension" measures.
An established Shenzhen-based cross-border e-commerce company, facing multiple challenges including Amazon store closures, independent website operations, and supply chain management issues, has reportedly asked employees to suspend work for six months while receiving only Shenzhen's minimum wage (approximately 2,000 yuan). While the notice was politely worded, many operations staff view this as disguised termination, as the minimum wage proves insufficient for basic living expenses in Shenzhen's high-cost environment.
Industry Reflection and Response to Pandemic Impact
The pandemic has accelerated industry consolidation in cross-border e-commerce. Many businesses have been forced to implement various cost-cutting measures for survival. The slowdown in industry renewal has created a tougher job market, with operations professionals facing both employment difficulties and reduced salary levels compared to previous years. Current employees should proactively develop career plans to mitigate potential risks.
Labor Rights Protection from Legal Perspective
These cases highlight labor rights issues in the cross-border e-commerce sector. According to China's Labor Law, employers cannot force overtime work and must pay appropriate overtime compensation. Any violations of labor regulations will face legal consequences. Employees should understand their rights and seek legal protection when encountering unfair treatment.
The Key to Sustainable Development: People-Centric Approach
For sustainable growth, cross-border e-commerce companies must shift their operational philosophy to prioritize employee rights and development. Establishing fair compensation systems, comprehensive benefits, and positive corporate culture attracts and retains talent while enhancing competitiveness. Employee exploitation only leads to talent drain and ultimately harms long-term business interests. Companies should value employees as their most important asset—only through collaborative effort can they maintain competitiveness in this challenging market.
The Importance of Industry Self-Regulation and Oversight
Healthy development of the cross-border e-commerce industry requires both self-regulation and government supervision. Industry associations should strengthen guidance and standardization of business practices, while government agencies must enhance labor supervision and crack down on illegal activities to protect workers' rights. Only through coordinated efforts can we establish a fair, just, and healthy market environment that promotes sustainable industry growth.
The labor disputes emerging among Shenzhen's cross-border e-commerce companies reflect both pandemic-induced industry challenges and fundamental issues in corporate management philosophy. Businesses must address these problems proactively, implement people-centric improvements, and pursue sustainable development strategies. Meanwhile, workers should strengthen legal awareness to protect their rights, collectively driving the industry toward healthier development.