Sou Hu Cai Jing·2025-06-06 23:44Group 1 - Meituan plans to expand its food delivery platform Keeta into the Brazilian market, investing $1 billion over the next five years to build a nationwide instant delivery network [2][10] - The competition in the food delivery sector has shifted focus to the issue of social security for delivery riders, with companies like JD.com and Meituan now emphasizing their commitment to providing social security as a competitive advantage [3][5] - The current discourse around social security highlights a troubling trend where basic legal obligations are being marketed as innovative benefits, raising questions about the true commitment to worker welfare in the tech industry [5][8] Group 2 - The classification of delivery riders as "flexible workers" or "independent contractors" has allowed platforms to avoid the responsibilities associated with employee status, complicating the employment relationship [6][8] - The algorithmic systems used by Meituan and Ele.me link delivery efficiency and rider compensation, creating pressure that compromises rider safety and increases the risk of accidents [6][8] - The working conditions of delivery riders are increasingly resembling those of full-time employees, suggesting a need for appropriate institutional protections [8][10] Group 3 - Meituan's international expansion through Keeta is not just about market growth but also serves as a test of its labor practices and values in stricter regulatory environments [10][12] - Brazil's labor laws require companies to provide social security and benefits for formally employed workers, posing challenges for the "flexible labor" model commonly used by Chinese platforms [10][12] - Sustainable globalization requires companies to respect labor rights and adhere to consistent standards across different markets, emphasizing that protecting worker rights is an investment in long-term value [12]