【Portrait of Humanity】 Social Insurance for Delivery Riders, a Step Forward in the Industry
Wang Zishun
February 19th, JD.com announced that it would start providing social insurance for its full-time delivery riders on March 1st, with an additional unexpected insurance and health insurance for part-time riders. On the same evening, Meituan also officially announced that it would provide social insurance for its full-time and stable part-time riders, with plans to implement the policy in the second quarter of 2025. Public information shows that delivery riders on JD.com, Meituan, and Ele.me platforms have reached nearly 10 million, with approximately 20% being formal employees. Excluding multiple platform registrations, there are still tens of millions of people who would directly benefit from this policy, and the number is expected to continue growing.
The rise of the delivery industry is like a vibrant wave in the digital economy, characterized by its flexibility and convenience, which has changed people's consumption habits and created numerous new job opportunities. However, behind the glamour, delivery riders as the main force of this emerging industry often face social security gaps. The disparity between their hard work and compensation has become a focal point for societal concern and an underlying worry for the industry.
From this perspective, JD.com's and Meituan's adjustment to their social insurance policies is undoubtedly a direct response to this pain point and an interpretation of the company's responsibility towards society. They do not regard riders as simple labor tools but rather as indispensable members of the corporate family, deserving respect and protection. This move not only provides riders with more solid security but also sets a good example for enterprises to take on social responsibilities, earning widespread acclaim from society.
However, we should also be clear-eyed that adjusting social insurance policies for delivery riders is just the beginning. How to ensure the implementation of these policies, how to further improve the welfare system for riders, and how to promote the healthy development of the delivery industry will require joint efforts from governments, enterprises, and society as a whole. Governments should strengthen supervision to ensure the effective execution of policies; enterprises should continue to invest in upgrading rider welfare; and society should provide more attention and support to jointly drive the development of the delivery industry.
This policy adjustment has also prompted us to delve deeper into the ethics of corporate social responsibility. Should enterprises prioritize profit maximization or take on more social responsibilities? Should they pay more attention to workers' living conditions and development space? JD.com's and Meituan's actions have undoubtedly provided a positive example, pointing out a direction: in the digital economy era, an enterprise's success is not only determined by its economic strength but also by its sense of social responsibility and ethical standards.
Therefore, we hope that these two companies' adjustments to their delivery rider social insurance policies will serve as a catalyst for industry transformation, driving the entire delivery industry towards more standardized, healthy, and sustainable development. We also hope that more enterprises will awaken to their social responsibility ethics, prioritize workers' rights, and jointly build a fairer and harmonious societal environment.
This column article represents only the author's personal viewpoint