Fined 200 squats for not meeting sales targets, woman almost suffers kidney failure

Failing to meet work targets, a woman in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, had to perform 200 squats, leading to acute rhabdomyolysis, with toxins flooding her bloodstream and posing a risk of dangerous kidney failure.

Duong, a 29-year-old woman, started a financial consulting job at an IT company in Hangzhou in June, earning 4,500 Chinese yuan per month. Her team leader, Zhang, mandated that each team member make 200 calls, invite one client, and secure one potential collaboration daily. On the evening of 28/7, Duong, having failed to meet her targets, was presented with an ultimatum: perform 100 squats or pay a fine of 50 Chinese yuan (approximately 200,000 Vietnamese dong) for each uncompleted task.

Unable to pay the fine, she reluctantly agreed to perform 200 squats to keep her job, also recording the entire process as required. In a nearly 5-minute time-lapse video, Duong was seen shifting positions multiple times to complete all 200 squats. As someone who rarely exercised, she struggled with such intense and sudden physical exertion. By the final repetitions, Duong's two legs were in severe pain, her knees buckled, and she stumbled, needing to lean on a door to stand upright.

Duong was penalized with 200 squats for failing to meet work targets. Photo: 1818 Golden Eye

Reluctant to spend money on a doctor's visit, Duong endured the pain for two days, believing that a few days of rest would resolve it. Only when her urine turned dark did she seek medical attention. Test results revealed her blood creatine kinase levels exceeded 160,000 U/L, far above the normal range of 60 to 200 U/L. Doctors diagnosed her with rhabdomyolysis, cautioning about the risks of renal tubular obstruction, kidney damage, and potential kidney failure.

Duong reported incurring 1,400 Chinese yuan (over 5.4 million Vietnamese dong) in treatment costs. On 30/7, she resigned and contacted manager Zhang, demanding reimbursement for medical expenses, travel costs, and 15,000 Chinese yuan (over 58 million Vietnamese dong) in health compensation. This compensation was intended to cover living expenses for 75 days until she secured new employment. Zhang, however, refused her demands.

Duong then sought assistance from a local television station. Zhang, speaking to reporters, admitted to violating labor laws but claimed the incident was unrelated to the company and rejected Duong's compensation demands. Duong has since compiled all evidence and medical documents to file a complaint with the local labor inspection authority. Authorities are currently investigating the case.

Under Chinese Labor Law, employers who insult or physically punish employees may face detention for up to 15 days.