As the Lunar New Year holiday approaches, China's Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, along with several other government agencies, has summoned 16 major delivery and ride-hailing companies, including Meituan, Alibaba, and Didi Chuxing, to discuss the rights of over 200 million gig workers in the country. The government aims to ensure that these workers, who are integral to the country’s services during the busy holiday period, have their rights protected and their welfare prioritized.

During a recent guidance session, the ministry emphasized the importance of improved labor management and the duty of these companies to continuously safeguard the rights and interests of gig workers. With significant consumer demand during the Lunar New Year rush, the government is concerned about the potential exploitation and challenges faced by gig workers in terms of labor conditions, wages, and job security.

This move reflects a broader push by the Chinese government to regulate the gig economy and enhance the rights of workers. The significant number of gig workers in China underscores the importance of this sector to the economy, especially during peak service demands such as the Lunar New Year. Ensuring better working conditions for gig workers could not only lead to improved labor relations but also contribute to greater economic stability.