Long hours, low wages: What is it like to be a gig worker in China's growing food delivery market?Long hours, low wages: What is it like to be a gig worker in China's growing food delivery market?
“As I continued searching, I realised it is quite tough to find a job in Shanghai because of my age. It is not easy,” said Mr Dai, who comes from Anhui province.In China, about 84 million people are engaged in what authorities term as new forms of employment, such as delivery workers and ride-hailing drivers, according to state media.
“The industry is in a downturn now. Delivery fees and volumes are low, and there are many riders,” Mr Dai lamented. Many riders live from hand to mouth, and being banned from the platforms could hurt their livelihoods. “In Shanghai, just rent alone will take up about 2,000 to 3,000 yuan. I am staying with my wife and children,” added Mr Dai, who is considering sending his family back to his hometown while he continues working in Shanghai.In 2022, when Shanghai was under COVID-19-induced lockdown, delivery riders became the lifelines for millions of residents confined at home.“I was living on the streets at that time.
“I wanted to see what opportunities I could find here, such as better-paying jobs, so I can earn some money to pay off my debt.” He previously worked as a security guard and said it was “too cumbersome” to report to a superior, adding that being a rider gives him more freedom.