Delivery workers in China are experiencing increasing pressure and challenges as the economy faces setbacks, including a slowdown in consumer spending and competition from two major delivery platforms. The industry, valued at $200 billion, has more than doubled during three years of Covid-19 lockdowns, but workers are now earning less and working longer hours to maintain their income. The dominance of delivery platforms has led to deteriorating work conditions, leaving workers with little power to negotiate. About 12 million delivery drivers are essential to China’s vast food delivery network, crisscrossing cities to deliver meals daily, even in extreme weather conditions.
The pressure on delivery workers to meet tight deadlines has led to dangerous road behavior, including running red lights and speeding, causing hazards not only to themselves but also to other road users. Workers have been pushed to their breaking points, as evidenced by explosive confrontations and incidents of violence. The lack of labor protections and algorithm development controlling the labor process have led to workers losing a degree of freedom and little room to push back against unfair treatment. Despite the challenges, some delivery workers still see the job as a flexible option compared to other roles.
China’s weakened economy is contributing to the decrease in consumer spending on delivery orders, impacting delivery workers’ earnings, which are often based on the price of the order. A lack of tips and a limited number of delivery orders to share among workers have further squeezed their income. The supply of delivery workers has increased due to higher youth unemployment rates, leading to decreased bargaining power and fiercer competition for jobs. Delivery workers are often treated as freelancers paid per trip, leading to unsafe behavior on the road to maximize deliveries and earnings.
Delivery workers are facing harsh penalties and reduced income due to complaints and algorithmic control by delivery platforms. The platforms initially offered higher wages to attract workers for expansion but have now shifted the cost burden to drivers by cutting bonuses and pay. Some workers have spoken out against unfair treatment, such as fines for situations beyond their control. The gig-based nature of the work incentivizes workers to ignore dangerous road conditions in a bid to complete as many deliveries as possible. There have been tragic incidents, such as a delivery driver being fatally hit by a tree in Beijing, highlighting the risks faced by these workers.
Despite the challenging conditions and decreasing income, some delivery workers still find the job appealing for its flexibility compared to other roles they have held in the past. The industry’s rapid growth has made it an indispensable part of China’s dining culture, with an estimated market value of $214 billion in 2023. However, delivery workers are struggling to maintain their earnings and face increasing pressure to meet tight deadlines. As the industry continues to evolve, addressing the issues faced by delivery workers, such as unsafe road behaviors, inadequate pay, and lack of job security, will be crucial to ensuring their well-being in the future.
