The authority in the Pingtan Comprehensive Pilot Zone recently penalized a bunch of freeloaders and lazy employees across government departments and public institutions.

Lin Wenqin at the Pingtan Retirement Management Office, Gao Yun at the Rural Economic Management Office and Lin Jinsheng, who is director of the Ocean and Fishery Station in Nanhai Township, were sacked for not having been around in their own posts for a long time.

Other punishments for those who were found often late at work or doing business unrelated to their work include warnings, public criticisms and fines of up to 1,000 yuan ($162).

The authority launched an inspection on Dec 2 targeting freeloading personnel at government departments and public institutions. Those who were absent from their working posts for 15 days in a row or piling up 30 days of absence in a year will be fired, the authority says.