China instructs online platforms to protect gig workers

Four government agencies, that include the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security (MHRSS), the Ministry of Transport, State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR), and All-China Federation of Trade Unions, met in a meeting with 11 internet platforms that include ride hailing service provider Didi Chuxing, Geely-backed Cao Cao Mobility, food delivery services Meituan and Ele.me, a subsidiary of Alibaba, and advised them to do more to protect gig workers. At the meeting, the companies were instructed to have ‘political, ideological and actionable consciousness’ of gig workers. The statement released by MHRSS noted that, while companies have made progress in implementing the new rules, they need to do more to protect worker rights.

Last year, China issued new guidelines to protect gig workers and address their issues, such as income and work safety.