China’s Supreme People’s Procuratorate (SPP) has intensified efforts to enhance legal protections for the country’s growing number of food delivery workers and others in the gig economy. In a statement released on Monday, the SPP announced that since February, Chinese procuratorial agencies have handled over 120 public interest litigation cases involving the rights of these workers, many of whom face disadvantages in the job market.
The SPP has directly intervened in cases to safeguard the rights and interests of food delivery workers. It has urged internet enterprises to optimize their delivery and reward-punishment algorithms, which can overwhelm workers by assigning excessive numbers of orders within limited timeframes. These algorithms often lead to undue pressure and can compromise the safety and well-being of the workers.
Additionally, since February, Chinese procuratorates have managed more than 230 public interest litigation cases concerning the special rights and interests of female workers. These cases address issues such as birth allowances and the right to refuse work in hazardous environments during menstruation, pregnancy, or nursing periods.
In a concerted effort to combat wage arrears, procuratorial agencies have prosecuted individuals suspected of withholding wage payments in over 420 cases during the past six months. Their efforts have resulted in the recovery of more than 54 million yuan (approximately 7.56 million U.S. dollars) in unpaid wages, providing significant financial relief to affected workers.
These measures reflect China’s commitment to strengthening labor protections in its rapidly expanding gig economy. By ensuring fair treatment and legal rights for all workers, China aims to promote a more equitable and sustainable working environment as the gig economy continues to grow.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
