Fried Chicken Franchise Worker Collapses from Overwork as Riders Show Compassion
SingTao · 3 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago7 MIN
Summary
A devastating workplace incident at a fried chicken franchise in southern China has exposed the brutal realities facing workers in the country's highly competitive food delivery industry. On the night of August 10, 2024, a single employee at a "No-Ke-Zha-Ji" (不可炸雞) outlet in Guangdong Province was overwhelmed by a sudden surge in orders during a late-night solo shift. The worker, struggling alone to handle cooking, saucing, packaging, and billing, eventually collapsed from respiratory alkalosis—a condition caused by hyperventilation—after breaking down crying while racing to fulfill orders. The incident drew widespread attention after videos showed the worker's distressing state and the compassionate response from delivery riders who stopped pressing for their orders and offered words of encouragement. However, the company's handling of the aftermath, including reported attempts to suppress footage and offering money to continue working, ignited fierce criticism online.
Key Points
- The collapse occurred on August 10, 2024, at a "No-Ke-Zha-Ji" (不可炸雞) franchise location in Guangdong Province, where only one employee was scheduled for the late-night shift .
- The sole worker had to handle every task alone—frying, saucing, packaging, and cash register—while facing mounting pressure from dozens of waiting delivery riders and strict platform penalties for late deliveries .
- The employee suffered respiratory alkalosis (呼吸性鹼中毒/過度通氣綜合症), experiencing limb numbness and convulsions before collapsing; the worker has since recovered and departed after receiving payment from the employer .
- Delivery riders at the scene showed solidarity by stopping their催單 (urging) and comforting the worker with phrases like "不要急，慢慢來" (Don't rush, take your time), a gesture that resonated deeply with the public .
- Regulatory authorities inspected the outlet and found all procedures compliant, except for an uncovered trash bin; the franchise reportedly uses "七天爆單" (seven-day order surge) as a marketing pitch while providing minimal staffing support .
Why It Matters
The incident has ignited a broader conversation about the "996" work culture and exploitation of grassroots workers in China's gig economy. The contrast between the delivery riders' compassion and the company's cold-hearted response underscores a troubling disconnect between corporate profit-driven priorities and basic human dignity in the workplace. As Hong Kong continues to integrate with the Greater Bay Area's labor market, such stories serve as cautionary tales about the human cost of relentless delivery platform targets and cost-cutting measures that can push vulnerable workers to their breaking points.
The incident has ignited a broader conversation about the "996" work culture and exploitation of grassroots workers in China's gig economy. The contrast between the delivery riders' compassion and the company's cold-hearted response underscores a troubling disconnect between corporate profit-driven priorities and basic human dignity in the workplace. As Hong Kong continues to integrate with the Greater Bay Area's labor market, such stories serve as cautionary tales about the human cost of relentless delivery platform targets and cost-cutting measures that can push vulnerable workers to their breaking points.