China to improve protecting new platform-economy workers' rights

BEIJING -- China issued a guideline on Thursday to improve protecting the rights of workers engaged in new forms of employment, according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security.

With the rapid development of the platform economy, the number of workers engaged in new forms of employment, such as online car-hailing drivers and internet marketing specialists, has increased massively, read the guideline.

But these workers face new situations and problems in protecting their rights and interests, it added.

The guideline has, for the first time, made clear that platform companies should shoulder their due responsibilities in protecting the lawful rights and interests of their employees.

China should improve the institutions in labor markets, including ensuring equal job opportunities, improving the guaranteed minimum income system, and safeguarding employees' rights to rest. These measures would protect these employees' rights and interests, according to the guideline.

The country will also carry out pilots to offer occupational injury insurance for the flexibly employed in ride-hailing, food delivery, and instant delivery platform enterprises, said the guideline.