Alexandra StevensonGeverifieerd account

Concerned about a population that is shrinking and aging, China’s leaders say women can have it all: A dream job and more babies. But labor disputes and civil lawsuits piling up against private and state-owned companies across the country paint a different picture altogether.

Women are bullied with demotions and pay cuts when they reveal they are pregnant. Some are offered money to quit and are fired when they refuse. Others are shown the door when they return to work after statutory maternity leave.

After one woman was fired, she received a bill for $19,142 — the equivalent to nearly 38 months of pay. She had “caused a great amount of economic loss,” the company said.