In a significant move to safeguard the rights of gig economy workers, the Chinese mainland has introduced new guidelines aimed at ensuring minimum wage protection for those engaged in platforms like ride-hailing and food delivery.
Published on Friday, these guidelines by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security target workers involved in the platform economy, including delivery, transport, and home services. With these rules, over 84 million workers in new employment forms will benefit from enhanced labor protections.
The comprehensive guidelines outline practical measures for platform businesses to improve labor management. Key provisions include preventing excessive working hours, ensuring higher payments for holiday shifts, and requiring platforms to seek workers' feedback before modifying algorithms that impact their rights and earnings.
This initiative comes as new business models and shifting consumer behaviors continue to drive the emergence of novel occupations in China, making them pivotal sources of job creation. The government has been progressively spotlighting the working conditions of these workers, recognizing their crucial role in the modern economy.
By addressing issues like overwork and lack of transparency, the Chinese mainland aims to create a more equitable and sustainable environment for its growing gig workforce. These measures not only enhance worker protection but also set a precedent for labor standards in the evolving landscape of the platform economy.
Reference(s):
China's new guidelines give delivery workers minimum wage protection
cgtn.com
