China’s draft rules offer millions of gig workers employment contracts

The Chinese government has unveiled draft rules aimed at improving labor protections for millions of gig workers across the country. Under the proposed legislation, internet platforms that recruit, organize, and manage workers must provide standard employment contracts. This includes guaranteeing the minimum wage, additional compensation for work on public holidays, and appropriate rest periods.

Platforms like Alibaba, Meituan, and DiDi will be barred from encouraging gig workers to register as independent business owners to circumvent the requirement for formal contracts. Currently, around 280 million flexible workers in China, many of whom lack robust labor protections, face long hours and low pay, particularly in sectors characterized by intense competition and price wars.

The new regulations also mandate that platforms disclose their management algorithms to workers, and decisions to halt orders or suspend accounts must be reviewed manually rather than solely by automated means. Chinese authorities announced in April their intention to enhance management of the gig economy, aiming for substantial improvements in workers' conditions within three years through bolstered legal safeguards.