Legal Relations in the Sphere of Courier Labor in the People's Republic of China

   There are significant contradictions in legal theory and judicial practice regarding the classification of legal relations between couriers and platform companies (platforms). The Civil Code and Labor Law currently in force in the PRC cannot ensure adequate legal regulation of the activities of various legal entities in the new context of platform trading. In practice, couriers cannot be held liable for compensation for damages caused to others during their work; the rights and interests of couriers as platform employees are not protected. Based on an analysis of current litigation between platforms and couriers, the authors summarize the approaches used by the people’s courts of the People’s Republic of China to establish a balance between the legal liability of platforms, couriers, and victims in order to maximize the protection of the rights of all civil parties within the platform trading model. Conclusions are made regarding the need to develop the concept of part-time employment relationships in relation to the official activities of couriers and some steps to develop Chinese legislation in this area.

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