The Aspirations of 84 Million Workers in New Forms of Employment Are Gradually Becoming a Reality (General Secretary’s Concerns—Echoes of Implementation)

Source: People's Daily Online – People's Daily

　　“Each period has its own set of problems, and each group faces its own unique challenges; we must take these seriously and work continuously to resolve them.”

　　—In September 2020, General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized during his inspection tour of Hunan and the subsequent symposium with grassroots representatives:

　　He made two long-haul freight runs between Shanxi and Shaanxi provinces, covering more than 1,700 kilometers… For Wang Yongping, a freight driver from Linfen in Shanxi, the May Day holiday was packed with activity: “The journey flowed smoothly, there were fewer checkpoints, and we got better rest—quite a change from a few years ago.”

　　84 million workers in new forms of employment—a matter of deep concern to General Secretary Xi Jinping.

　　It has been a series of in-depth visits: chatting with delivery couriers in Qianmen, Beijing; boosting the morale of rural e-commerce entrepreneurs in Zhashui, Shaanxi; and engaging with representatives of freight drivers in Changsha, Hunan, to learn about their concerns and needs...

　　These were heartfelt instructions: “Each period brings its own set of challenges, and each group faces its own unique difficulties; we must take them seriously and work continuously to resolve them.” “We must step up our management and service efforts to fill this gap…” On the eve of this year’s Spring Festival, while visiting and extending greetings to grassroots cadres and the general public in Beijing, General Secretary Xi Jinping urged, “Party committees and governments at all levels must show genuine concern for them and provide excellent services to support their daily lives, work, and studies.”

　　Earnest exhortations are met with resounding action.

　　In September 2020, General Secretary Xi Jinping conducted an inspection tour in Hunan and chaired a symposium with grassroots representatives. During a face-to-face meeting, truck driver Long Bing shared the industry’s key challenges with the General Secretary.

　　Soon, these pain points became the focus of reform: in less than two months, four government departments launched a special campaign to rectify height- and width-restriction barriers and inspection checkpoints on roads; over the past few years, more than 2,000 “Driver Homes” have been established nationwide, offering services such as laundry and shower facilities.

　　Seize the opportunity and act swiftly! Strong execution power is closely linked to the Party’s will and the people’s hearts. In 2023, the Central Social Work Department was established, followed by the establishment of social work departments at the provincial, municipal, and county levels, continuously strengthening services and management for workers in new forms of employment.

　　How to strengthen?

　　A single delivery station can hold a world of its own. Located right next to Changchun Street, a major thoroughfare in Beijing’s Xicheng District, the “Warm New” Beehive Station is fully equipped with water dispensers, first-aid kits, rain gear, and more, and also offers occasional services such as skills training and legal assistance. This “home on the road” for couriers and food-delivery riders was jointly established by the Xicheng District Party Committee’s Social Work Department in collaboration with multiple government agencies and the subdistricts under its jurisdiction.

　　Joint efforts and coordinated governance have pooled collective strength. In recent years, the Central Social Work Department has guided local authorities in establishing 45,000 “warm new” service stations and developing 35,000 friendly community and business district initiatives, among other such welcoming environments.

　　Collaboration stems from joint development and governance. In the past, Beijing delivery rider Sun Qi was plagued by algorithmic challenges: tight delivery windows, slow food preparation at restaurants, and numerous other uncontrollable factors. At a rider roundtable meeting, he voiced his concerns and offered suggestions. Today, the algorithm has been refined and optimized in several areas, including delivery time, allowing Sun Qi to handle his deliveries with greater ease and confidence.

　　Over the past few years, multiple government departments have launched several rounds of targeted governance initiatives focused on algorithms used by online platforms. Relevant authorities, neighborhood committees, and platform enterprises have organized numerous roundtable discussions with delivery riders to identify pain points, address bottlenecks, and resolve difficult issues.

　　Listen to the people’s voices and ensure effective implementation. By putting the mass line of the new era into practice, we are bridging the “last mile” in policy delivery: it’s not just about algorithmic optimization—localities are continuously advancing the development of rider-friendly residential communities and neighborhoods, thereby alleviating challenges such as difficulty entering buildings, finding parking, and charging electric vehicles.

　　The key to effective implementation lies in “practicality.”

　　Zheng Wenxing, a cadre in Changhe Subdistrict, Binjiang District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, spent two months in 2024 delivering more than 300 orders across multiple food-delivery platforms during his spare time. Through field research, he identified key pain points: charging stations without battery-swapping cabinets save time, while microwave ovens fail to keep pace with delivery riders’ busy meal schedules. Based on these findings, he spearheaded a comprehensive overhaul and upgrade of the rider service stations within the subdistrict’s jurisdiction.

　　In recent years, many localities have launched initiatives such as “one-stop service through perspective-taking,” with officials going directly to the front lines, turning more of the “feelings gained through hard work” into “institutional responses.”

　　Focus on implementation and tackle problems head-on.

　　Hangzhou Qiantang Smart City is home to a large number of workers in new employment models within the livestreaming industry, and the number of labor dispute complaints had been rising year after year. In early 2025, the local authorities launched the “Hosts Have Their Say” dispute-resolution platform, providing one-stop mediation for conflicts and disputes across multiple departments.

　　In upholding and developing the “Fengqiao Experience” for the new era, local authorities have established more than 3,000 one-stop mediation centers, which have collectively mediated over 30,000 labor dispute cases involving remuneration and other related issues concerning workers in new forms of employment.

　　Focus on implementation—drive it home, one step at a time.

　　The protection of the rights and interests of workers in new forms of employment is broad in scope and attracts considerable public attention. General Secretary Xi Jinping has emphasized the need to “improve the social security system for multi-channel, flexible employment” and to “expand pilot programs for occupational injury insurance, promptly summarize experience, and institutionalize best practices.” The establishment and improvement of an occupational injury insurance system has been incorporated into the Outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan.

　　Currently, the number of pilot provinces for occupational injury insurance has increased to 17, and the program will be expanded nationwide this year.

　　With persistent effort and unwavering commitment, the aspirations of 84 million workers in new forms of employment are steadily becoming a reality.

　　(Contributed by our reporter Dou Hao)

　　People’s Daily (May 10, 2026, Page 1)

(Editor: Wang Xianjin, Huang Zijuan)