labor

A Food Courier’s Pursuit of Equal Treatment

Translations, cross-publications, and collaborative projects from Sixth Tone’s external partners. 

SIXTH TONE ×

Delivery rider Liang Ningning filed a lawsuit after a Beijing residential community told him to use the “back entrance,” to highlight the everyday discrimination facing food and parcel couriers.

The Paper

Across China, an Unseen Rural Workforce Is Shaping the Future of AI

Articles that cut to the core of contemporary China. In-depth, informed, and carefully crafted, every piece is carried by the voices of the story’s participants.

FEATURES

Data labeling jobs in rural areas are empowering women and the marginalized while also aiding poverty alleviation. But as advanced AI begins to eclipse traditional methods, the future demand for such human-driven jobs faces uncertainty.

Li Xin

In China, Life Coaches Are Seeing Booming Demand From Gen-Zers

Just a few years ago, life coaching was a tiny industry in China. But the profession is now rapidly going mainstream.

Fan Yiying

Liu Shuhuan

After Ctrip, Another Internet Company Trials Work From Home Post-Pandemic

Timely reports on issues and events from across China. Drawing on a vast range of sources, these succinct articles provide insights into the significance of each issue in a wider context.

NEWS

Qunar, a major online travel platform, will allow employees to work from home starting later this month in an eight-month trial.

Ye Zhanhang

Swipe Right to Hire Me: How Tinder Became China’s Hottest Networking App

Young Chinese are increasingly using the dating app to hunt for potential job openings amid soaring graduate unemployment. But the trend is sparking concern among the platform’s users — and inside Tinder itself.

Shu Xinrou

Many College Grads Drawn to Gig Work: Report

An analysis of job postings and résumé submissions on a leading jobs site has found that demand for “flexible employment” such as delivery driving and livestreaming has increased even as supply of such jobs has fallen post-pandemic.

Ding Rui

From Streets to Pages: Inside the Life of a Beijing Courier

In his latest book “Beijing Courier,” Hu Anyan recounts challenges and heartwarming encounters from his days working as a courier that helped him discover the true value of life.

Hu Anyan

Young Chinese Are Signaling Burnout — With Quirky Profile Photos

Using memes and anime, profile photos have become the new canvas for Chinese youth, serving as both an outlet for their frustrations and subtle resistance against the pressures of work culture.

He Qitong

In China, WeChat Is Blurring Workplace Boundaries — Especially for Women

Contributions from individuals with unique perspectives to share. Hear from everyone, from experts and commentators to those whose voices are often marginalized.

VOICES & OPINION

The do-everything app is ubiquitous in offices around the country, making it harder for women to separate their work and personal lives.

Miao Weishan

In Shanghai, A New Major Helps Domestic Workers Battle Stigma

With an average age of 45, and women representing the majority of students, the first group of home economics majors graduated last month from the Shanghai Open University, signifying a pivotal shift in the domestic service industry.

Mining Company in Shanxi Concealed 43 Deaths, Says Probe Report

A government task force has taken action against 28 suspects, while further investigations have been launched into 16 officials accused of corruption.

Jiang Zuer

Zodiac Signs, Height, Blood Type: Absurd Hiring Rules Draw Fire 

Discriminatory recruitment practices by some Chinese companies are now drawing criticism from state media for violating privacy and equal employment rights.

Yang Caini

Cui Yang

After Exposé, Chinese Firm Under Lens for Hiding Mining Deaths 

State-owned outlet China Newsweek reported that a mining company in Shanxi concealed the deaths of at least 17 workers over 15 years. The local government has ordered an investigation.

In China, ‘Blatantly Stupid’ University Students Are Taking Up Odd Jobs

From dog-walking to taking photos, university students are offering themselves up for menial tasks for little to no pay. People are more than happy to use their services.

Shenzhen Employee Fired for Refusing Company’s Team-Building Event

Chinese companies often organize team-building events after work to improve camaraderie among colleagues, but employees have long complained about the extra burden these activities place on them.

Hainan Airlines To Ground ‘Overweight’ Cabin Crew, Sparks Outcry

While the airline claims it is prioritizing a “professional image,” its decision has sparked concerns about discrimination and employee rights.

Are China’s Vloggers on Strike?

Organizing a strike is hard. Getting independent content creators to see themselves as workers, rather than entrepreneurs, may be even harder.

Zheng Guanghuai

Court Ruling Sparks Debate Over Promoting Work on Social Media 

An intermediate court ruled that an employee had been illegally fired for refusing to promote work-related content on their personal social media account.

Young, Educated Chinese Can’t Find Work. Are Colleges to Blame?

Poor links between universities and employers make it hard for schools to give students the skills they need to succeed on the job market.

Li Xiaoguang

What’s Keeping China From Moving Up the Value Chain?

The “world’s factory” needs more skilled workers as it upgrades its manufacturing industry. But not everyone is on board.