Man shuns mother over looks; boss fires him and gives her the job

A company founder in China has sparked debate after sharing why he dismissed an employee who did not invite his own mother to his wedding.According to Chinese media reports, the businessman said the employee told him he was embarrassed by his mother's appearance and did not want her at the ceremony.The incident was shared by Cui Peijun, founder of Henan Mining Crane Co. Ltd, during a summer internship programme for employees' children.The story has since gone viral in China, where it has also raised questions about workplace values, personal morality and workers' rights.According to Sin Chew Daily, Henan Mining Crane Co Ltd launched a special summer internship programme on July 21 for employees' children. The company recruited 331 students for the programme.Speaking at the launch event, Cui told the students that respecting and caring for parents was one of the most important qualities a person could have.He said giving back to parents and being filial was the foundation of being a good person. According to him, "A person who cannot even uphold the most basic filial piety does not deserve the respect of a company or others." To explain his point, Cui shared an incident involving one of his employees.Attending employee's weddingCui recalled attending an employee's wedding. During the ceremony, he noticed the employee's mother sitting alone in the shade near the factory instead of taking part in the celebration.He asked the employee why his mother had not attended the wedding. The employee allegedly replied, "Because my mother's face is not good-looking, I'm afraid she will embarrass me."The answer made Cui angry because he knew the employee's family background. Cui reportedly reminded him, "You lost your father when you were two years old, and this is how you treat your mother?" Cui said he decided to dismiss the employee on the spot after hearing the explanation.The founder did not discuss the employee's work performance. Instead, he said the decision was based on the employee's behaviour towards his mother.Later, according to the reports, the employee realised it was difficult to find another job. He also understood that the company had offered him good pay and stable employment.The man reportedly returned to Cui's office and knelt down, asking for another chance. However, Cui refused to change his decision. According to the reports, Cui told the employee that he looked down on him and that he had to leave the company.Mother offered the jobAfter dismissing the employee, Cui reportedly decided to help the man's mother instead. The reports said she had retired from a workshop.Cui arranged for her to work in the company's logistics department and matched the salary she had received in her previous job.No further details were shared about how long she remained with the company or whether the former employee found another job.Chinese media reports described Cui as a businessman known for rewarding employees generously. According to reports, he has distributed year-end bonuses worth more than 100 million yuan for two consecutive years which was 70% of his company's profits.His comments at the internship programme reflected the values he said the company expects from its employees, especially respect for parents and family responsibility.The incident has divided opinion on Chinese social media. Some people supported Cui's decision. They said professional skills can be taught, but character is much harder to change. In their view, someone who disrespects a parent may not reflect the values a company wants to promote.“Someone who cannot love his parents is merely pretending to be kind to others. The company is better off without him,” remarked one netizen.Others said companies could encourage people to follow certain values, but that filial piety was a matter of personal morality, not work performance, and that firing an employee over a personal family matter when they have not made mistakes in their work may be an infringement of workers’ rights.“In a genuinely civilised society, bosses should not act as moral judges. It is the law that should ensure fairness.” a person wrote.Catch the latest World News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.