People's livelihoods and rights a priority as economy grows
The Moonlight Ring and the Xinglin Pavilion are two iconic sights in Xiamen's Jimei district. CHINA DAILY
In Xiamen, new forms of employment are attracting an increasing number of workers in jobs where there is no traditional employer or fixed working time, for example the food delivery sector. To safeguard these workers, Xiamen has introduced multiple measures.
To protect the legitimate rights and interests of food delivery riders, for instance, the Xiamen city government has established a special team and pioneered a collaborative mechanism involving 27 departments.
For example, the local human resources and social security departments have launched a service platform that offers one-stop case handling, dispute mediation and legal assistance services.
In terms of public services, various units including the city's landscape and forestry bureau and tourism bureau have set up caring stations to provide services such as late-night libraries and public welfare performances.
During the scorching summer, Meituan delivery rider Ouyang Jiaxiong entered a service station in Siming district to take a rest during his lunch break. The facility is spacious and comfortable, offering conveniences such as like drinking water and phone charging. Ouyang, who frequents this place for work, finds solace there when he's tired.
"Because I deliver food in this area very often, I come in to have a drink of water, take a nap and enjoy the air conditioning — it's so cozy. The staff members are very welcoming here, which warms our hearts," Ouyang said.
At a labor rights service center established to serve those in new forms of employment, which is another representative effort, staff members resolve disputes related to the wage payment issues of gig-economy workers quickly through online meetings.
Xiamen has issued several measures this year to protect the rights and interests of such workers.
In addition to worker rights protection, the city places great emphasis on people's livelihoods. The housing issues for new residents and young people are among some of the top concerns of the city government.
Seizing the opportunity of promoting rental housing as part of national initiatives, Xiamen is accelerating the supply of guaranteed rental housing.
Transit-Oriented Development, a development model centering around public transport stations, is a new form of rental housing promoted by the city. Integrating functions such as residential, commercial, office, cultural and educational facilities within a single area, TOD's guaranteed rental housing service plays a key role in Xiamen's talent introduction policy.
The Xiamen Torch Huli Park TOD Metro Apartment, adjacent to the Huarong Road Station and Huli Park Station on Xiamen's Metro Line 3, is home to a large number of talents who work in surrounding areas. It seamlessly connects major office areas with industrial parks and provides convenient transportation and comfortable residential communities. It is popular with the city's young and new residents and helps to promote a subway-centered lifestyle.
"The location of the apartment is excellent, close to the subway station, making it convenient for weekend outings, and the commercial street below the apartment is now very lively," said a tenant surnamed Qiu. When living in a nearby long-term rental apartment, she saw information about talent apartments on social media and decided to move after viewing the property.
Located at Jimei Software Park Station of Xiamen's Metro Line 1, Jimei Software Park TOD Metro Apartment Project is another large-scale subway complex. It integrates hotels, commercial spaces, offices, apartments with the subway access. It is planned to provide 1,811 affordable rental apartments to young staff members, enterprise employees and business travelers.
An elevated view of the Sea World shopping center in Xiamen Free Trade Zone. CHINA DAILY
A yacht departs from a port of Xiamen. CHINA DAILY
Thousands of containers at a freight terminal in Xiamen await transportation. CHINA DAILY