China Proposes Mandatory Employment Contracts for Millions of Gig Workers
Millions of delivery drivers, couriers, and ride-hailing operators in China could soon gain access to minimum wage guarantees, holiday pay, and mandatory rest periods under draft rules released by Beijing.
The public consultation for the draft measures runs until November 8. If enacted, the policy will reshape operations for major internet platforms including Alibaba, Meituan, and DiDi. These companies currently classify many workers as freelancers or engage them through third-party subcontractors to bypass direct labor obligations.
Proposed framework grants gig workers minimum wage protections
According to a report by the China New Employment Forms Research Centre, the world’s second-largest economy had 280 million flexible workers in 2025. Many of these individuals endure long hours for low pay amid fierce price wars between rival delivery platforms.
Under the proposed framework, gig workers will be entitled to:
- Standard minimum wage protections
- Extra compensation for work completed on public holidays
- Guaranteed periods of appropriate rest
- Manual reviews for account bans or order suspensions, as platforms are explicitly forbidden from making these decisions using algorithms alone
- Clear explanations of management algorithms used by the platforms
The draft rules also prohibit internet companies from instructing gig workers to register as individual business owners to avoid signing formal employment contracts.
Government sets three year target for working conditions
The latest ministry proposal follows an announcement made in April, when Chinese authorities stated they would tighten management of the gig economy through enhanced legal protections. The government set a target of achieving substantial progress in working conditions across the sector within a three-year window.
The public consultation period closes on November 8, after which ministries will review feedback before finalizing the enforcement mechanisms for the platform economy.
Which platforms and workers the rules affect?
Which platforms are affected by the proposed rules?
Major Chinese internet platforms that recruit, organize, and manage workers to complete tasks—including tech giants like Alibaba, Meituan, and DiDi—are subject to the draft requirements.
How many flexible workers are currently in China?
China had 280 million flexible workers in 2025, according to data from the China New Employment Forms Research Centre.
What does the rule change regarding platform algorithms?
Platforms must explain their management algorithms to workers. Decisions to suspend worker accounts or halt orders cannot rely solely on automated algorithms and must undergo manual review.