ILO and partners strengthen collaboration on protecting platform workers in China

Beijing, China (ILO News) — The International Labour Organization (ILO), in collaboration with the Law School, Renmin University of China, hosted a high-level international seminar on 15 April 2026 on the evolving landscape of labour standards protection in the platform economy.

Bringing together over 40 experts from government, social partners, the judiciary and academia, the seminar provided a vital forum for sharing innovative practices and evidence-based policy recommendations to ensure that the digital transformation of work remains centered on human dignity and social justice.

Current domestic and international developments in platform labour protection

During the morning session, the research team behind the ILO–Renmin University joint study presented its findings on labour standards protection for platform workers in China. Drawing on evidence-based research, the study reviews current regulatory practices in China, identifies key areas for further institutional improvement and underscores the importance of safeguarding the fundamental rights of platform workers.

Addressing international developments, the discussion covered ongoing efforts to develop global instruments for the decent work in the platform economy, which are scheduled for a second discussion at the upcoming International Labour Conference in June 2026. Beyond standard-setting, ILO specialists highlighted the ILO’s growing body of knowledge products, including the Digital Labour Policy Tracker and examples of legislative practices from member States around the world.

Participants also examined China’s existing regulatory framework and recent policy developments across a range of core protection issues, including employment status, rest periods, fair remuneration, social dialogue and the continued expansion of occupational injury insurance pilots etc.

Through two dedicated technical sessions in the afternoon, the seminar further explored both the practical and conceptual dimensions of platform labour regulation. Discussions addressed challenges in establishing an “employment relationship” in judicial practice, evolution on delivery workers’ income structures and working hours, the practical approaches to labour standards protection for both professional and crowdsourced riders from platform’s perspective. Broader issues concerning the overall framework of labour standards protection and the ongoing innovation of regulatory approaches to platform work were also discussed.

© Renmin University

© Renmin University

Future outlook

A broad consensus emerged that, in China, the discussion on platform worker protection is shifting from a narrow focus on legal status towards greater attention to substantive labour standards. Social justice must be ensured for all workers, regardless of their legal status, through the fair distribution of risks and responsibilities.

To conclude, the governance of platform work must keep pace with technological change through continuous social dialogue. By bringing together government, employers, and workers' organizations, the ILO and its partners in China remain committed to refining governance that promote social justice and ensure decent work for all in the digital era.