GIG ECONOMY BURNOUT CAPTURED ON VIDEO IN CHINA
A heartbreaking video from China is making waves on social media. It shows a delivery worker crying in exhaustion after working long 10-hour shifts without proper food or rest. The video has moved many people and started a new conversation about the harsh conditions faced by gig economy workers in China.
In the video, the man sits on a sidewalk in his uniform, clearly overwhelmed. He wipes his tears and talks about not even having time to eat or take a proper break. Viewers across the country were shocked to see someone pushed to such a point just for doing their job.
The video quickly went viral, drawing millions of views and thousands of comments. Many internet users expressed sympathy and anger. People are calling for better rights and support for gig workers, especially those in food delivery, ride-hailing, and courier services.
This incident highlights the dark side of the gig economy. While gig jobs offer flexibility and income, they often lack benefits like health insurance, fixed hours, and paid leave. Workers are often paid by the task, not by the hour, forcing them to work longer just to earn enough to survive.
China has millions of gig workers, and most of them work under private platforms like Meituan and Ele.me. These platforms use algorithms to track performance, and many workers say the system pushes them to rush orders and skip meals just to avoid penalties or to earn bonuses.
Experts and labor groups are now urging the Chinese government to step in. They say clearer labor rules are needed for gig workers, including fair wages, regular breaks, and protection from unreasonable targets set by algorithms.
The video has also triggered wider public debate. Many people are comparing this case to their own work struggles. Some say the pressure to always perform and be productive is leading to rising mental stress across many industries, not just gig work.
As of now, there has been no formal response from the delivery company the man worked for. But the growing attention may lead to new policies or action. For now, the video stands as a powerful reminder of how invisible struggles can finally be seen and how they can spark change.