The 54-year-old recalls, pointing at where he used to build furniture and where everyone would congregate for lunch, “All the workers feel astonished.”
In an effort to save expenses, the company’s owner relocated production to South East Asia. Mr. Ren claims that he is entitled to redundancy pay in excess of 80,000 RMB ($11,000; £8,800), which may take years to accrue.
He continues, “We are grieving and disappointed,” as a machine smashes the panes with a sledgehammer.
Mr. Ren’s sorrow extends beyond the demise of a furniture company. He laments China’s economy, which was once unstoppable, dying. making it more difficult for millions of workers to get employment.