As China's two sessions convene in Beijing, national legislators and political advisers are sharing insights on key public concerns and submitting suggestions and proposals for the country's economic and social development.

Shi Wenmei, a deputy to the National People's Congress and director of the Research and Development Center at Huzhou Taiping Special Minitype Motor, has advocated for bolstering the protection of the rights of workers in emerging employment sectors, including ride-hailing drivers, food delivery riders, and couriers.

Shi Wenmei (second from the left), a deputy to the National People's Congress and director of the Research and Development Center at Huzhou Taiping Special Minitype Motor. [Photo/Tide News]

"As the gig economy and new businesses continue to grow, online platforms are emerging, and these workers are the backbone of the 'platform economy'," Shi said.

She emphasized the need for improved institutional support and urged platforms to take responsibility for protecting workers' rights. She proposed a collaborative mechanism involving government oversight, platform self-regulation, and cross-sector partnerships.

Shi also highlighted current challenges, including rapid changes in employment models, difficulties in recognizing labor relationships, insufficient social insurance coverage, and high occupational risks.

Addressing these concerns is essential for the platform's healthy development and for broader internet economies, she emphasized.