China steps up support for gig workers

China is stepping up efforts to protect the rights of couriers, food delivery riders, and gig workers in other fields while encouraging their more active participation in community affairs, an official said at a press conference Wednesday.

Zhao Shitang, spokesperson and deputy director of the Society Work Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, attends a press conference in Beijing, Sept. 9, 2026. [Photo by Xu Xiang/China SCIO]

Zhao Shitang, spokesperson and deputy director of the Society Work Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said the groups in new forms of employment constitute an important force in economic and social development, helping keep cities running and meet people's daily needs.

In October 2025, China issued guidelines on strengthening services for gig workers. Zhao said authorities have been focusing their efforts on implementing the guidelines in three areas: protecting workers' rights, providing greater care and support, and guiding their participation in community affairs.

Protecting rights

Authorities have been working to safeguard gig workers' rights to pay, rest and leave, workplace safety, and social insurance, while urging platforms and companies to ensure lawful and compliant employment practices, Zhao said.

Efforts have also targeted problems linked to platform algorithms, such as unreasonable order assignments and unclear pricing rules. A campaign launched last year at eight major platform companies has been expanded to 25 major and local platforms this year.

Some localities and companies have also introduced measures allowing food delivery riders more time at traffic lights by pausing delivery countdowns while they wait, helping make deliveries safer, Zhao said.

Making cities more rider-friendly

Authorities have also been building more supportive communities and commercial areas to make life on the road easier for gig workers.

A food deliveryman works on his usual delivery route in Beijing, capital of China, July 10, 2026. [Photo/Xinhua]

According to Zhao, these measures include providing parking, charging, and rest facilities for couriers and food delivery riders, as well as dining and rest areas for ride-hailing and truck drivers. Some localities have introduced rider apartments and practical skills training to address gig workers' housing and career development needs.

From service providers to community helpers

At the same time, gig workers have been encouraged to become more active community contributors.

Regularly traveling through neighborhoods, they can help identify potential safety risks and assist with emergency response, Zhao noted.

He cited a recent incident in Huzhou, eastern China's Zhejiang province, where a food delivery rider joined an auxiliary police officer in rescuing four people trapped in a car during flooding. Zhao said the rescue effort showed how ordinary people can come together to help others in times of need.

He noted that, during the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030), authorities will continue to strengthen services for gig workers, protect their rights, and promote their inclusion in local communities.