Can China’s drive to protect gig economy workers work by pressing Big Tech to give more?


The focus on labour rights is part of the Chinese government’s push to create a fairer society and narrow the income gap under President Xi Jinping. Internet companies must now sign labour contracts with their gig workers, and provide them with the insurance coverage of state-run insurers. — SCMP

China’s technology companies from the smallest startups to the biggest multibillion-dollar companies are rushing to comply with a government order to unionise, as the Communist Party asserts its imperative as the champion of the working class, even occasionally employed “gig” workers.

China’s largest ride-hailing company Didi Chuxing and the second largest e-commerce platform in the country JD.com became the first Big Tech companies to fall into line this month, amid rising government pressure on employee unionisation issues. But experts say that the gig economy might not change much in China.

Limited time offer:
Just RM5 per month.

Monthly Plan

RM13.90/month
RM5/month

Billed as RM5/month for the 1st 6 months then RM13.90 thereafters.

Annual Plan

RM12.33/month

Billed as RM148.00/year

1 month

Free Trial

For new subscribers only


Cancel anytime. No ads. Auto-renewal. Unlimited access to the web and app. Personalised features. Members rewards.
Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
   

Next In Tech News

Smartphone bans in schools boost children's social well-being: study
Microsoft's new Copilot AI can see what you see
Google brings more AI to search engine in ‘significant’ update
A 'Star Wars' game reborn: Be the bounty hunter you always wanted to
Review: ‘Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2’ leverages a dark sci-fi lore with layered gameplay
UK investment summit to feature Google, Wayve and Brookfield
Foxconn beats estimates with record third-quarter revenue on AI demand
Saudi Arabia's PIF mulls larger stake in Nintendo, Kyodo reports
Game on: Automakers expand video entertainment options in vehicles
Does it sound too good to be true? Here’s how to spot, avoid online marketing scams

Others Also Read