New Delhi: A Chinese company has caused a stir by banning people born in the “Year of the Dog” from applying for jobs. Sanxing Transportation, based in Guangdong province, has a boss born in the “Year of the Dragon.” In Chinese zodiac beliefs, Dragons and Dogs are considered to clash and bring bad luck.
The zodiac cycle repeats every 12 years, with each year representing a different animal sign. The South China Morning Post (SCMP) reports that the company offers monthly salaries of 3,000 to 4,000 Yuan (about Rs 35,000 to Rs 45,000) but is asking people born in the Year of the Dog not to apply, fearing they might bring bad luck.
SCMP reports that a staff member told Hubei Television the company decided to exclude candidates born in the “Year of the Dog” due to astrological beliefs about compatibility.
Zodiac-Based Hiring Sparks Debate, But Remains Legal
The company stated they would hire candidates with fewer qualifications if their zodiac sign wasn’t the Dog. They believe each zodiac sign corresponds to one of the five elements: metal, wood, water, fire, and earth.
The Dragon is linked to water, while the Dog is linked to fire. The staff member said that this key difference often leads to conflicts between people with these signs.
Although the company’s unusual policy has caused controversy, Wu Xingjian, a lawyer at Hubei Chisheng Law Firm, explained that while the practice may seem discriminatory, choosing candidates based on zodiac signs is not against the law.