The Transport Workers’ Union (TWU) highlighted the need to establish minimum standards in the gig economy promptly, following the actions of Chinese food delivery company Hungry Panda. The company is accused of treating its workers unfairly in Australia. On Wang Zhuoying’s 40th birthday, she and fellow delivery workers protested against Hungry Panda for fair pay and unrealistic delivery deadlines. Wang stopped receiving orders from the company after standing up for her rights. She expressed her frustration by stating, “It’s my 40th birthday today, but it’s not a beautiful birthday. I wish to defend my legal rights with actions.”
The protests, supported by the TWU, were in response to the Australian federal parliament’s efforts to establish minimum standards in the gig economy. Ms. Wang shared with parliamentarians the financial strain she faced due to Hungry Panda’s actions, including not being able to pay rent since she stopped receiving orders. The demonstrations arose from a decrease in the base delivery rate for motorcycle and bicycle riders, as well as unrealistic bonus requirements set by Hungry Panda. Emily McMillan, TWU’s chief of campaigns, condemned Hungry Panda’s actions and emphasized the urgency of implementing minimum standards in the gig economy to protect workers’ rights and safety.
This is not the first time Hungry Panda faced dissatisfaction from its workers in Australia. In previous instances, the company had sacked riders who organized protests over pay cuts, only to restore their pay rates after facing backlash. In another tragic incident, a Hungry Panda delivery rider lost his life in a work-related accident, leading to his family being awarded compensation under the NSW workers’ compensation scheme. Despite these events, Hungry Panda denied any retaliation against Ms. Wang for participating in the protests, triggering criticism from the Chinese community in Australia and raising concerns about labor rights in the gig economy.