China unveils first nationwide protections for gig workers

China’s labor ministry has released draft rules that would set nationwide protections for workers in the fast-growing gig economy, reports Caixin. This includes minimum-pay safeguards, limits on algorithmic decision-making and stronger obligations for internet platforms.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security is seeking public comment on the 54-article draft, which would be China’s first ministerial regulation specifically governing the rights of workers in new forms of employment, such as food-delivery riders, couriers, ride-hailing drivers and truck drivers.

The draft sets out basic protections covering equal access to employment, pay, rewards and penalties, working hours and intensity, rest periods, workplace safety, severe-weather protections, vocational training, social insurance, personal-data protection and collective bargaining.