gig economy

A Beijing delivery rider from JD Instant Delivery rescued a 70-year-old man suffering a heart attack during his shift, swiftly alerting paramedics and aiding medical staff. The timely intervention during the critical “golden hour” saved the patient’s life. JD rewarded the employee with commendations and an unspecified bonus. Analysts highlighted the incident as emblematic of gig workers’ evolving societal roles, acting as community safeguards amid ongoing debates about labor welfare in China’s tech-driven gig economy. The company’s public recognition aligns with growing scrutiny toward corporate accountability for frontline workers.

A Beijing driver for CaoCao Mobility faced scrutiny after a passenger recorded him denying knowledge of a lost phone left in his vehicle, despite placing it in a seat pouch. The viral video prompted an internal investigation, leading to the phone’s return, the driver’s temporary suspension, and ongoing disciplinary reviews. Under China’s Civil Code, finders must return lost items or risk liability, with excessive reimbursement demands potentially deemed extortion. CaoCao reiterated its zero-tolerance policy for misconduct, emphasizing trust and service quality as competitive priorities amid evolving regulations in China’s ride-hailing sector.