Labour relations in the online ride-hailing industry: evidence from China

Abstract

ABSTRACT A new business model for ride-hailing was born due to the sharing economy. With the rapid development of the ride-hailing market, labour relations in the ride-hailing industry revealed numerous issues that need to be addressed immediately. With China as the context, this study seeks to answer four questions: How can labour rights be promoted and protected in the ride-hailing industry? How can labour remuneration be balanced? How can workers be safeguarded? How can labour disputes be avoided? Over 20 drivers from the online ride-hailing industry in China were interviewed for the study’s primary data. This information is processed using the grounded theory to produce a novel ‘Harmonious Labour Relations’ model (also known as the ‘HLR’ model or the ‘RRSD’ model). The model provides an explanatory framework to understand labour rights and interests, labour compensation, labour safety, and labour disputes in the online ride-hailing industry. Our findings offer significant implications for the government’s effort to regulate the ride-hailing market and manage ride-hailing businesses. Furthermore, our study paves the way for future research on labour and industrial relations in the global ride-hailing industry.