Shentong Express Responds to Backlash Over Exploitation of High School Student Workers

This incident has sparked widespread outrage and concern about the exploitation of young workers, particularly during the summer vacation period when many students seek out part-time jobs to earn extra money. The case has also raised questions about the role of intermediaries and the responsibility of companies like Shentong Express in ensuring fair labor practices. According to reports, Hu and his classmates were hired through an intermediary who had promised them a daily wage of 200 yuan for working at the Shentong Express facility. However, after working for several hours, they were told that they were not suited for the job and were let go. When they asked for their wages, they were rebuffed by the intermediary, who told them to "go to the police" if they wanted to get paid.

In response to the controversy, a Shentong representative stated that any logistics net point bearing the Shentong logo found to be involved in such practices would be directly shut down. However, a human resources personnel from the specific logistics point in question clarified that the incident did not directly involve Shentong Express, but rather a client utilizing their facilities who had independently hired external labor for cargo unloading. The labor services company at the center of the controversy has come forward with an explanation, stating that they were unaware of the ages of the individuals they hired. According to the company, their job postings clearly specified that they were seeking individuals aged 18 and above, a detail they claim to have also communicated to the intermediary agency that helped in the recruitment process.

The public's outrage has been palpable, with many netizens condemning the incident as a blatant exploitation of labor, particularly the unethical practice of recruiting high school students for temporary summer jobs to exploit cheap labor. The incident has sparked widespread calls for regulatory bodies to launch an investigation into the matter and mete out severe punishment to those responsible. On social media platforms, comments have been flooding in, with many expressing anger and disappointment at the treatment of the high school student. The consensus among netizens is that such exploitative behaviors should be thoroughly investigated and penalized, with some even suggesting that the company in question should face severe consequences for its actions.

The labor services company has revealed that they privately compensated Hu and several other minors involved, each receiving an initial payment of 30 yuan, followed by an additional 20 yuan as a supplementary gesture. This move is seen as an attempt by the company to mitigate the fallout from the incident, which has raised significant concerns about the exploitation of minors in the workforce and the responsibility of labor services companies in ensuring that their hiring practices comply with labor laws and regulations. As the story continues to unfold, it has sparked a wider debate about the plight of young workers in China and the need for greater protection and regulation of the labor market. The case has also highlighted the importance of corporate social responsibility and the need for companies to ensure that their business practices are fair and equitable.