China’s Delivery Riders Demand Respect After Major Stand-off

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A confrontation between delivery riders and security guards in the eastern city of Hangzhou has sparked an outpouring of sympathy for China’s gig workers. By Li Xin and Li Maoran An intense confrontation involving dozens of delivery riders and local security guards in the eastern city of Hangzhou has gone viral on Chinese social media, sparking calls for gig workers to receive stronger protections. The flare-up began on Monday when a rider damaged some fencing inside a mixed-use development in downtown Hangzhou while rushing to deliver a takeout order. Security guards at the compound then prevented the driver from leaving, demanding that he pay compensation for the damage, according to a statement issued by local police on Tuesday. The situation escalated when the rider — likely concerned that his other deliveries would be delayed — got down on his knees and begged the guards to release him. This quickly attracted the attention of other delivery workers, who rallied to demand t ………………………………