The tragic story of King of Orders袁某, a 50-year-old deliveryman in Hangzhou, China, has once again brought the issue of overwork and labor protection among platform workers to the forefront. His untimely death has sparked widespread concern and discussion about the harsh working conditions faced by these laborers.
The Rise of the King of Orders
The term King of Orders refers to the top performers in the delivery industry, who are constantly under immense pressure to meet high performance targets set by platforms like Meituan. These individuals are celebrated for their exceptional work, but behind their success stories lies the dark reality of overwork and exploitation.
In the case of袁某, he worked for 16 hours a day, often getting only three to four hours of sleep. He aimed to earn at least 500 yuan ($70) per day, and during rainy days, he would strive to earn 700 yuan. His dedication and hard work earned him the title of King of Orders, but it also took a severe toll on his health.
The Consequences of Overwork
袁某的 tragic death is not an isolated incident. According to a report by Radar Finance, several delivery workers have died from overwork in recent years. These cases have highlighted the urgent need for labor protection among platform workers.
The King of Orders phenomenon is a direct result of the intense competition and pressure to meet high performance targets. Workers are forced to work long hours, often exceeding the legal working hours, just to earn a living. This relentless pursuit of high income has led to a significant increase in the number of cases of overwork and even death among platform workers.
The Lack of Labor Protection
One of the main reasons for the plight of platform workers is the lack of labor protection. Many platforms classify their workers as new employment forms, arguing that they are not covered by labor laws. This allows them to avoid providing benefits such as social security, overtime pay, and leave compensation.
In 2021, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security issued a circular on safeguarding the labor rights and interests of new employment form workers. However, this circular has failed to provide effective protection for platform workers, as it still allows platforms to classify their workers as not fully establishing labor relations and thus not subject to labor laws.
The Need for Change
The tragic death of袁某 and other platform workers serves as a stark reminder that urgent action is needed to address the issue of overwork and labor protection. It is crucial to revise and strengthen labor laws to ensure that all workers, including platform workers, are covered by labor protections.
Furthermore, platforms should be held accountable for their workers’ working conditions. They should be required to provide a safe and healthy working environment, reasonable working hours, and fair compensation.
The King of Orders phenomenon is a symptom of a broken system that prioritizes profit over the well-being of workers. It is high time that society recognizes the importance of protecting the rights and interests of all workers, regardless of their employment form.
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