China moves to protect food delivery drivers from digital exploitation, knocking stocks such as services giant Meituan

The policy guidelines come as China ramps up a campaign to rein in Big Tech, forcing the sector to put greater emphasis on consumer and worker rights. The guidelines are designed to protect basic labour rights for riders, including a base income, work safety, food safety, a decent working environment. — SCMP

Chinese regulators have ordered online platforms to ensure food delivery riders earn above the country’s minimum wage, that riders be freed from unreasonable demands placed upon them by algorithms, and that these workers have access to social security and a place in a union, in a likely financial blow to big delivery services companies such as Meituan.

The guidelines, published on Monday afternoon by the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) along with six other government agencies in Beijing, are designed to protect basic labour rights for riders, including a base income, work safety, food safety, a decent working environment and access to insurance coverage.