On December 10, the Meituan delivery rider center in Taihe District, Jinzhou, buzzed with activity. Under the guidance of local labor authorities, Meituan’s social insurance subsidy awareness campaign drew crowds of riders seeking information. Among them was Sun Dong, one of the first beneficiaries, who couldn’t hide his excitement. "I joined Meituan’s subsidy program in August, enrolled that month, and now receive monthly payments—already saving thousands. This covers my winter heating costs, warming my heart," he said.
The subsidy has given Sun, a seven-year veteran rider, Party member, and former soldier with over 100,000 deliveries and zero complaints, newfound peace of mind. "With two kids, I worried about retirement. Now, with the platform covering half my pension contributions, I feel secure," he explained, showing his subsidy records. The policy reduces his personal burden by about 430 yuan monthly.
Empowered by this support, Sun mentors new riders, creates community service maps, and even attended Meituan’s July 17 Rider Festival in Beijing. "The subsidy makes every delivery feel steadier," he added.
▲ A rider checks subsidy records (Photo: Yu Qiang)
**Stable Workforce Boosts Service Quality** Sun reflects a broader trend in Liaoning, where Meituan’s subsidy now covers all counties. Many delivery stations report 30–50% rider participation. "This policy is transformative," said Zhu Jian, a Jinzhou station manager overseeing nearly 100 riders. He noted reduced turnover and improved team stability, with retention up 10% and veteran riders more eager to recruit.
"Stability enhances service," Zhu added. "Riders know routes better, coordinate with restaurants more smoothly, and achieve higher efficiency and safety ratings—lifting customer satisfaction."
After five years of piloting, Meituan launched the industry’s first universal rider pension subsidy in April, expanding it nationwide by July. Riders earning above local minimums for three of six months qualify for 50% pension contribution subsidies, whether full-time or part-time.
▲ Labor officials clarify subsidy policies (Photo: Zhou Qing)
**Public-Private Collaboration Protects Gig Workers** From injury insurance trials to nationwide pension subsidies, Meituan continues strengthening protections for gig workers. The subsidy’s national rollout marks a breakthrough in social security for this group.
Meituan streamlined subsidy disbursement, enabling riders to receive payments within a week of monthly contributions. Dedicated hotlines and 24/7 AI support further assist riders.
Zhuang Jiazhi, associate professor at Central University of Finance and Economics, praised the model: "Meituan’s ‘corporate subsidy, government guidance, voluntary enrollment’ approach institutionalizes protections, offering a replicable template for flexible workers’ social security—advancing labor dignity and social stability."
"Meituan sets a strong example," a Jinzhou labor official noted, aligning corporate responsibility with government efforts to safeguard gig workers’ rights.
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