55-Year-Old Chinese Delivery Worker Dies on Bike After 18-Hour Shift

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A tragic incident in Hangzhou has highlighted concerns over the welfare of food delivery workers in China. A 55-year-old delivery man, known as Mr. Yuan, passed away while resting on his bike after enduring punishing 18-hour workdays. The incident occurred in early September and has sparked widespread discussion on social media about the working conditions and rights of delivery drivers.

According to reports from the South China Morning Post, Mr. Yuan had been working from 9 PM on September 5 and was discovered the following morning at 1 AM by another delivery driver. He had been resting on his electric bike, a common practice among delivery workers who often work long hours with little rest. Mr. Yuan, affectionately known as the “Order King” for his tireless work ethic, was highly regarded in his field, earning between 500 and 600 yuan ($70 to $85) daily, and even more on rainy days.

Colleagues and friends described Mr. Yuan as a dedicated worker who would often take brief naps on his bike to maximize his productivity. Just a month before his death, he had suffered a leg fracture in a traffic accident but returned to work after a brief recovery period.

Mr. Yuan’s relocation to Hangzhou was motivated by his desire to support his 16-year-old son, who is studying in the city, as well as his elder son, who is married with children.

The Xianlin Sub-district Office in Yuhang district confirmed that Mr. Yuan collapsed and died despite receiving emergency treatment. An official statement revealed that the food delivery platform, the insurance company, and Mr. Yuan’s family have reached an agreement regarding compensation and other follow-up arrangements.

This incident has reignited the debate about the working conditions of gig economy workers, who often face long hours and high-pressure environments. As discussions continue, there are calls for better regulation and support systems to ensure the safety and well-being of workers in the gig economy.

Sources By Agencies