Harsh Reality for Chinese Delivery Staff: 20-Hour Workdays, Eating and Sleeping at Traffic Lights

Summary

A viral video in China showing a food delivery driver eating at a red light has sparked widespread discussion about the harsh conditions faced by delivery workers. The video, along with other recent incidents, highlights the extreme pressures and challenges drivers face, including overwork, low pay, and dangerous working conditions. The death of a 55-year-old driver and a subsequent protest have fueled debate about labor rights and the exploitative nature of delivery platforms. Many are calling for reforms to improve conditions, as the drivers' plight resonates with the public.

Takeaways

• 🍞 A video of a food delivery driver in Shenzhen eating a bun while waiting at a red light went viral, highlighting the difficult conditions delivery workers face.
• 💻 The driver was later identified as a college graduate with a background in Java programming, revealing the disparity between education and current job opportunities for many in China.
• 😭 The video resonated deeply with the public, with some viewers expressing sadness over the tough realities delivery drivers endure daily, including not having enough time to eat properly.
• 💧 A separate incident showed a delivery driver shivering in the rain while waiting at a red light, further highlighting the harsh working conditions they face.
• 💔 A 55-year-old delivery driver in Hangzhou tragically died on his electric scooter after working long hours, sparking conversations about the pressures delivery workers face.
• 🪧 A brave delivery driver in Shanghai protested the exploitative working conditions by holding a sign calling for labor rights, an 8-hour workday, and better working conditions.
• ⚠️ Many delivery drivers face extreme working hours, often pushing their health to the brink. Some only get 3-4 hours of sleep, while others risk their lives due to unsafe work conditions.
• 🚨 Delivery drivers are frequently forced to break traffic laws, like running red lights or riding against traffic, because delivery platforms' algorithms prioritize speed and efficiency over safety.
• 📉 Delivery workers' pay has decreased over time, with many orders offering as little as 5 Yen for a 3-kilometer delivery, despite rising living costs.
• ⚖️ Discussions around labor rights and the need for protective laws for gig workers in China have intensified, especially after the death of delivery drivers and Singapore's recent passing of the Platform Workers Bill.

Q & A

What event triggered the initial discussion about the tough conditions delivery drivers face in Shenzhen?

A video of a delivery driver in Shenzhen, seen taking a quick bite of a bun and drinking water while waiting at a red light, went viral online and sparked widespread attention and discussion about the working conditions of delivery drivers.

Why did the video of the delivery driver eating while waiting at a red light resonate with viewers?

The video highlighted the tough conditions that delivery drivers face, with viewers expressing empathy for the driver's rushed meal and difficult work situation. Some commented on the harsh realities of delivery work, noting the limited time drivers have to even eat.

What surprising information was revealed about the delivery driver in the viral video?

It was revealed that the delivery driver had a background in computer science and was a college graduate who had studied Java programming, showing that he was highly educated but still working as a delivery driver.

What tragic incident occurred on September 6th involving a food delivery driver in Hongzhou?

A 55-year-old food delivery driver named Yen was found dead on his electric scooter after collapsing on the job. He had been known for his relentless work ethic, often working 20 hours a day despite poor health.

What protest action took place in Shanghai following the death of the delivery driver, and what message did the protester convey?

On September 8th, a delivery driver in Shanghai held up a sign calling for societal change and labor reforms. The sign read, 'The Times are calling for a Martin Luther King in China,' highlighting the need for better working conditions and an 8-hour workday for delivery drivers.

What are some of the main challenges delivery drivers face in China's food delivery industry?

Delivery drivers face extreme time pressure, low pay, and dangerous working conditions. Many are forced to break traffic laws or modify their electric scooters to meet tight delivery deadlines, and they often have no time for rest or meals. Some drivers work through illness or injury to avoid pay deductions.

How do China's food delivery platforms contribute to the difficult conditions faced by delivery drivers?

China's food delivery platforms use algorithms to set short delivery times and push drivers to violate traffic laws or modify their scooters. These platforms shift responsibility and risks onto drivers, who are often subcontracted or crowdsourced, allowing the platforms to avoid legal accountability for accidents or deaths.

What did some delivery drivers say about the pay and delivery times in recent years?

One driver mentioned that the delivery fee for a 3-kilometer order had dropped from 10-12 yen in 2020 to just 5 yen by 2024. Delivery times were also reduced, from 50-60 minutes to 38-42 minutes, making it even harder for drivers to complete orders on time.

What impact did the death of the Hongzhou delivery driver have on the delivery driver community and the public?

The death of the delivery driver in Hongzhou sparked outrage and discussions about overwork and the exploitative practices of food delivery platforms. Many delivery drivers and the public saw it as an example of how the gig economy pushes workers to the brink of exhaustion.

What recent labor protections for delivery workers were passed in Singapore, and how does it compare to China?

Singapore's parliament passed the Platform Workers Bill, which grants protections to food delivery and ride-hailing drivers, including Social Security benefits and the right to strike. In contrast, China has not introduced similar laws to protect delivery workers, and the outlook for such reforms is seen as unlikely under its current authoritarian regime.