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Comment by rqs | Hacker News Reader

> But there are other venues for labour activism than changing the license

The thing is, this kind of online protest is the safest for both initiators and participants. If by "other venues for labour activism" you mean go to the street, you're basically risk sending people to jail (And after the thing, nobody want to risk to get milled down by tanks).

Also, did you know that 996 is by law illegal in China? You can technically report your company if they force you to work 996. But: 1) After that, you will probably get fired for any number of excuses. 2) Your company is clever, they know many ways to get around the law.

Now, after all that dilemma, how could you protected yourself and help other developers just like you? The license idea come out naturally.

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> The thing is, this kind of online protest is the safest for both initiators and participants. If by "other venues for labour activism" you mean go to the street, you're basically risk sending people to jail (And after the thing, nobody want to risk to get milled down by tanks).

Why will the government avoid to use repressive measures against this? Otherwise they don't do their job of totalitarian government well enough. In a totalitarian state, I'd certainly be afraid to support this.

> Also, did you know that 996 is by law illegal in China? You can technically report your company if they force you to work 996. But: 1) After that, you will probably get fired for any number of excuses. 2) Your company is clever, they know many ways to get around the law.

Yeah, I've read the website. So technically, the license isn't needed.

> how to you protected yourself and help other developers just like you? The license idea come out naturally.

If you can't get the law enforced, how will you be able to enforce the license? I've heard that chinese courts generally don't meet western standards.

> Why will the government avoid to use repressive measures against this?

This is how the labor law been structured in China. In many cases you need to file the case by yourself in order to get it investigated.

> So technically, the license isn't needed.

> If you can't get the law enforced, how will you be able to enforce the license

I don't think you've understood the situation. In China, we play it safe.

You can get administration involved, but you will likely need to file the case by yourself, which may cause you to get fired. Now, if a third-party can help you by putting some pressure on your company, then both of you will be safe.

The license adds another reason to convince your boss to not implement 996.

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