Left before bonus payment after restructuring: guiding case 183

Reported facts

Fang Yue’s department was removed and employment ended near year-end. The employer refused the annual bonus because she had left before the payment month.

Published outcome

The appeal court awarded RMB 138,600 gross annual bonus, considering the reason for departure and the completed year’s work; the employer had not proved deficient performance.

Limits when comparing your own situation

The worker did not voluntarily resign in this case. Bonus terms, performance and departure circumstances matter; the ruling does not guarantee all former employees a year-end bonus.

Questions to prepare for your own situation

• What bonus rules applied during the earning year?
• Why and when did employment end?
• What evidence shows work completed against the criteria?

These preparation questions are our editorial guidance, not findings in the original case.