China proposes new labor protections for gig workers

BEIJING, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- China's Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security on Thursday released draft measures aimed at safeguarding the rights and interests of workers in new forms of employment, inviting public feedback until Nov. 8.

A job seeker talks with a recruiter at a job fair on Songjiang campus of Shanghai University of Engineering Science in east China's Shanghai, April 9, 2026. (Photo: Xinhua)

If adopted, these measures would bring into the protection of the labor legal system those workers in new forms of employment who are subject to labor management by enterprises but whose arrangements do not fully meet the criteria for establishing a labor relationship. It would be the first time China has done so through departmental rules.

The draft sets out provisions for protecting basic labor rights and interests, regulates labor rules and algorithms, and establishes rules for different forms of employment arrangements used by enterprises.

It also seeks to facilitate the resolution of labor disputes and clarify the regulatory responsibilities of government departments and legal liabilities for violations of the measures.

Members of the public can submit comments online via the ministry's website, by post or via email.

The proposed measures come as China continues efforts to protect workers in new forms of employment, including food delivery riders, ride-hailing drivers and other platform-based workers.

China has approximately 84 million workers engaged in new forms of employment. Authorities have also introduced guidelines calling for tighter regulation of platform algorithms, greater transparency and stronger social security protections.

In tandem with policy efforts, an international design award last month drew attention to the professional identity of delivery riders.

On Sept. 19, a uniform designed for delivery riders on Alibaba Group's Taobao Instant Commerce platform received a gold award at the 2026 French Design Award ceremony in Paris. It was the first time a gold award had been presented to a professional uniform designed for frontline workers.

The bright-orange uniform was developed by a largely cross-disciplinary team, most of whom had no professional fashion design background. It incorporates features intended to improve riders' visibility in traffic, comfort and protection against the elements, as well as space for first-aid supplies.

Lead designer Yang Tao said the uniform was intended to give delivery riders a distinct professional identity and a greater sense of pride in their work. Dario Olivero, chair of the award's organizing committee, noted that the uniform helped the public recognize riders as urban service workers deserving of respect.