30 Ex-Convicts Hired by Major Supermarket Chain... Chairman's Decision Sparks Debate in China

2% of New Hires Reserved for Ex-Convicts; 30 Accepted
Pangdonglai Chairman: "The Price Has Already Been Paid"
Chinese Netizens: "Those Without Crimes Are Losing Opportunities"

A well-known large supermarket in China is facing controversy after conducting a special recruitment drive targeting ex-convicts. Critics have questioned whether having a criminal record is now considered a qualification, while others argue that ex-offenders deserve a chance to make a fresh start.

Chairman Wu Donglai, founder of the famous large-scale supermarket chain Pangdonglai. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

According to Chinese media outlets such as Shangguan News and Guancha, on September 25 (local time), Pangdonglai, a famous large-scale supermarket chain, is recruiting about 1,000 new employees and has set aside approximately 2% of the positions-about 20 spots-specifically for ex-convicts. On September 17, the company interviewed 30 recently released ex-offenders, all of whom were accepted, exceeding the initial plan by 10 hires. The successful candidates will undergo a six-month probationary period.

Wu Donglai, the founder and chairman of the company, personally attended the interviews to encourage the applicants. Chairman Wu stated, "You have already paid the price for your past actions, so you do not need to feel inferior to others," adding, "You just need to do your best."

Previously, the company explained its so-called "ex-convict recruitment program" by stating, "We want to help ex-offenders reintegrate into society and lead better lives." The company plans to start with those who have committed minor offenses and gradually expand opportunities to those with more serious criminal records.

Public Opinion Divided: "A Chance to Start Over" vs "Undermining Fairness"

However, reactions within China have been mixed. Online, some criticized the initiative by arguing that "those who have not committed crimes are losing opportunities," while others responded positively, saying that "giving ex-convicts a chance to return to society is a good thing." The debate continues.

Given the severe job crisis among young people in China, many have responded cynically to the recruitment drive. Chinese netizens commented, "Not having been to prison has become a disadvantage," and "Wu Donglai prefers people who went to prison instead of university." It is known that Chairman Wu himself was imprisoned in his youth for selling illegal cigarettes, and some believe this background influenced the company's latest hiring decision.

Pangdonglai currently operates more than 10 stores in Henan Province and has attracted national attention for its customer-focused service, higher salaries compared to competitors, and a wide range of employee benefits.

Chairman Wu has also drawn attention for his unique statements as Pangdonglai rapidly expanded. In January, he published seven employee conduct guidelines on his social media, including a controversial rule that "if one spouse is unhappy in marriage and requests a divorce, the other must not restrain their partner for any reason and must agree to the divorce," which sparked debate.

In November last year, he instructed employees to hold modest wedding ceremonies and warned that those who did not comply would face restrictions on employee benefits, leading to criticism for "invasion of privacy."