Law must deliver on fears of food couriers in Hong Kong
The dawning of the digital economy has created additional employment and opportunities to earn, particularly with the rise of fleets of food delivery workers.
But flexible work patterns and low entry levels mean they are not covered by a labour law that has failed to address the trend. Four years ago, the Post appealed to companies profiting from the new economy to treat their workers fairly, or risk the authorities having to step in.
Regrettably, protection for such workers still leaves much to be desired. The recent spate of strikes involving food couriers, albeit on a relatively small scale, is a reminder of their plight as society benefits from their services.
It is encouraging to learn that the government intends to enhance the rights and benefits of platform workers through legislative means this year.
Exactly how this will be done remains to be seen. But last year the Labour Department completed studies and conducted consultations, including a Thematic Household Survey, in which platform workers were given a chance to offer their opinions, as well as focus group meetings to collect data on the conditions of couriers and their views on necessary measures.
Separately, it has also established a liaison group comprising officials, company representatives, and members of labour organisations to explore enhanced protection for platform workers.
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