Letter from the Editors
Amid China's economic slowdown and rising unemployment, coupled with the transition from traditional industries to new digital models, flexible employment through platforms like food delivery has surged. According to the Ninth National Survey on the Workforce (March 2023), over 13 million food delivery workers are part of China’s 84 million workers in new employment forms. For years, most delivery riders have lacked adequate social security. However, in February, news that major food delivery platforms such as Meituan, Ele.me, and JD announced plans to provide social security contributions for riders sparked widespread discussion.
While some welcomed this move, others expressed concern. Critics argue that mandatory deductions could shrink riders’ already tight incomes, with many prioritising “quick cash” over long-term benefits. Migrant workers, in particular, face challenges reclaiming employer-paid pensions when returning home under the current rules. These debates also highlight broader concerns about the sustainability of China’s social security system amid declining birth rates and high unemployment. 
A delivery rider posted a video on Douyin stating that, compared to social security benefits, riders need "quick cash" and "immediate earnings"
CLB’s 2023 research on the platform economy revealed that delivery riders face shrinking incomes and gruelling hours dictated by algorithms, while their employment status and social security rights fall short of China’s Labour Law standards. Despite the ACFTU’s 2021 unionisation drive in the platform economy launched in 2021, with all of the 100 leading Chinese companies forming unions, most riders still lack meaningful union representation or collective bargaining power to improve their working conditions. CLB will closely monitor the implementation of this new measure affecting food delivery riders, stay tuned for our updates.
implementation of this new measure affecting food delivery riders, stay tuned for our updates.
Thanks for reading!
CLB editors
Spotlights
This month, China Labour Bulletin (CLB) initiated complaint procedures with local Chinese labour inspectorates and Germany's Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA) concerning alleged labour law violations by Tesla and its China's suppliers. The complaints highlight issues such as excessive working hours, wage withholding, and interference with trade unions. For instance, workers at a Tesla supplier reportedly face up to 192 hours of overtime monthly, significantly exceeding China's legal limit of 36 hours. Additionally, some suppliers allegedly withhold wages unless workers meet minimum hour or day requirements, practices that may constitute forced labour and modern slavery. CLB urges both Chinese and German authorities to investigate these practices to ensure compliance with labour laws and protect workers' rights. CLB plans to disclose more instances of alleged labour law violations among Tesla's suppliers in the near future.
"Statement of Handling Opinions" issued by Bao'an, Shenzhen Human Bureau of Resource in response to CLB's complaint on January 6, 2025
In February, we introduced our new approach to global labour rights accountability that involves applying supply chain due diligence tools to improve workers' rights in China's textile and shoe industries. One case that stood out was the strike at Emei KVE Sporting Goods Co. Ltd in Sichuan, where workers went on strike over unpaid social security contributions. The dispute raised concerns about the effectiveness of local unions, particularly when corporate executives hold leadership positions. Moreover, it highlighted the responsibility of global brands, like VF Corporation, in ensuring labour rights within their supply chains.
January 2025 Map Trends
In January 2025, CLB's Strike Map recorded a total of 220 collective labour incidents. As the Lunar New Year approached, the number of cases remained high, continuing the upward trend observed in previous months. The coastal province of Guangdong reported the highest number of incidents (42 cases). Notably, unlike previous periods, the provinces ranking second to fourth in incident counts are all inland regions: Henan (25 cases), Hubei (19 cases), and Shaanxi (17 cases).
The construction industry continued to record the highest number of cases, with 168 incidents, accounting for 76.36% of all worker actions. Manufacturing also experienced significant unrest, with 30 cases, representing 13.64% of the total. Wage arrears remained the primary cause of worker actions, contributing to 94.55% (208 out of 220 cases), while other reasons included relocation, factory closures, and pay disputes. Additionally, 37.27% (82 cases) of the collective worker actions occurred in state-owned enterprises and public institutions.
Construction strikes peaked in January 2025 (168 cases) as workers fought for unpaid wages before the Lunar New Year, with disputes continuing into February
In January 2025, Workers' Calls-for-Help Map monitored 20 cases of workers seeking assistance. The most affected provinces were Hebei (3 cases), Jilin (2 cases), and Jiangsu (2 cases). All recorded cases were related to wage arrears.
One case occurred in Handan, Hebei Province, where a migrant worker had been waiting ten years for unpaid wages. The worker, now paralysed and unable to work, was left without any means to support themselves. Desperate for relief, he sought government intervention through various platforms, hoping for a resolution after a decade-long struggle.