In a story that has been circulating online, it was reported that the owner of a textile factory in Sichuan Province did not pay wages to one of the employees despite several requests. The employee then set fire to the workshop, causing a significant incident that has garnered attention. Many internet users have expressed sympathy for the arsonist, some even considering him a hero. Some analysts believe that this incident reflects a tragic aspect of society, where social tensions and hostility have escalated to alarming levels.
According to a notice issued by the Pingshan Public Security Bureau in Yibin, Sichuan Province in the early hours of May 22, a fire broke out suddenly on May 20 at 12:00 pm in Sichuan Jinyu Textile Co., Ltd., located in the Pingshan Economic Development Zone in Yibin, Sichuan.
“The suspect, a 27-year-old man named Wen, set fire to the workshop of a textile factory that morning, leading to the outbreak of the fire. Wen was subsequently brought under control by the police at the scene.”
The notice further stated that the fire was brought under control without any casualties, and investigations are ongoing to ascertain the suspect’s motive, the process of the crime, and the extent of damages.
However, there have been widespread rumors online that Wen set fire to the factory out of anger after failing to receive 800 yuan in wages. He has gained online support, with many referring to him as “Brother Eight Hundred” due to the sum in question.
Informed internet users disclosed that Wen quit his job before completing a month of work and was not paid upon resignation. He used gasoline to ignite the fabrics in the workshop, causing a fire that took nearly two days (37 hours) to extinguish. The confrontation over 800 yuan resulted in a lose-lose situation for both parties.
Many people online have expressed sympathy for this young arsonist’s actions, with numerous internet users applauding his actions.
A blogger from Shanghai, Wan Xuecheng, described how Wen ignited a major fire in the workshop which burned for twelve hours, with fire trucks from neighboring counties coming to assist. Fortunately, no casualties were reported.
Although the police did not disclose the motive behind the arson, a deluge of online messages claimed that the boss had withheld 800 yuan in wages from Wen. Local media inquired with the labor bureau in regards to this matter, and the bureau responded that an investigation had been initiated to determine if this was indeed the cause.
Wan Xuecheng believes that amidst economic downturn and rising hostility, it is imperative to revive the excellent traditional cultural values of kindness, integrity, and righteousness. Tragic incidents like this, where an individual teaches a lesson to their employer through drastic means, should not recur.
The actions of Brother Eight Hundred have sparked discussions online, with netizens on May 23 commenting in support of his actions. Many hailed him as a hero of the working class, applauding his bold move and hoping that he receives proper legal representation.
A blogger from Henan province posted on May 23, questioning the responsibility for the tragedy and urging reflection on the underlying reasons. He underscored the importance of entrepreneurs and employers maintaining integrity, abiding by morality and laws.
The comments are dominated by sympathetic voices, with a netizen from Jining, Shandong, expressing concern over the public’s overwhelming approval, emphasizing the repercussions of long neglect of the people’s needs.
Phantom, a lifestyle blogger from Guangxi, summarized public opinion on May 13 regarding whether the individual is a hero or a criminal, ultimately reflecting on the larger social issue at hand. The fire that erupted has laid bare the festering wound of labor relations and poses a profound question: when 800 yuan becomes the last straw that breaks the camel’s back, should we not contemplate the lack of ’empathy’ bridging the employer’s ‘entitlement’ and the worker’s ‘desperation’? May all anger find a path to rationality, and may livelihoods not be gambled with lives.