JD.com Accuses Rival of 'Pick One' Tactics, Pledges Support for Delivery Riders
Chinese e-commerce giant JD.com has issued a public letter to its delivery riders, accusing an unnamed competitor, widely believed to be Meituan, of reviving the controversial 'pick one' practice. This tactic allegedly forces part-time couriers to choose exclusively between platforms under the threat of being blacklisted. JD.com claims this exclusionary strategy has caused a significant 16–25% decline in rider income. In response, the company unveiled several emergency measures, including prioritizing job opportunities for riders' spouses, increasing recruitment efforts, and enforcing a strict policy against forced exclusivity. Additionally, JD.com pledged to provide free orders for any deliveries delayed by more than 20 minutes, addressing recent service disruptions. The strongly worded statement also criticized broader industry practices, highlighting systematic mistreatment of delivery workers, safety concerns, lack of social insurance, and the proliferation of low-quality kitchens dedicated solely to takeout services. This move positions JD.com as a defender of gig worker rights while simultaneously attacking a major rival's business practices in the competitive Chinese delivery market.
Wire timeline
JD.com Accuses Rival of 'Pick One' Tactics, Pledges Support for Delivery Riders
Chinese e-commerce giant JD.com has issued a public letter to its delivery riders, accusing an unnamed competitor, widely believed to be Meituan, of reviving the controversial 'pick one' practice. This tactic allegedly forces part-time couriers to choose exclusively between platforms under the threat of being blacklisted. JD.com claims this exclusionary strategy has caused a significant 16–25% decline in rider income. In response, the company unveiled several emergency measures, including prioritizing job opportunities for riders' spouses, increasing recruitment efforts, and enforcing a strict policy against forced exclusivity. Additionally, JD.com pledged to provide free orders for any deliveries delayed by more than 20 minutes, addressing recent service disruptions. The strongly worded statement also criticized broader industry practices, highlighting systematic mistreatment of delivery workers, safety concerns, lack of social insurance, and the proliferation of low-quality kitchens dedicated solely to takeout services. This move positions JD.com as a defender of gig worker rights while simultaneously attacking a major rival's business practices in the competitive Chinese delivery market.
TechNode