MR CHAN KIN-POR (in Cantonese): President, with the rapid development of Internet technology in recent years, we have witnessed the proliferation of new trades developed from online platforms, such as takeaway delivery and car hailing services, and a large number of new jobs have thus been created. As a matter of fact, technological advancement has brought enormous changes to the traditional economy, and the labour market has therefore undergone certain changes too, with some jobs in the old economy gradually shrinking and vanishing. In the meantime, new jobs and new working modes have come into existence during the development of the new economy, and these include platform workers engaging in online takeaway delivery and car hailing services as mentioned in the motion moved today. These are new jobs created with the development of new technology, and it is anticipated that a greater number of such jobs will be created in the future. There is a need for the community to adapt to the new situation, and to consider the implications of the development for our society.
Unlike companies in the traditional sense, online takeaway delivery and car hailing platforms usually employ no traditional workers, but tend to recruit freelance or part-time workers to work for them under the names of “partnership”, “independent contractors”, etc. This mode of working has the advantage of allowing a greater degree of flexibility, and participating workers may make use of their spare time to earn extra money by engaging in the relevant services. Besides, with the increase in the number of unemployed people earlier, some of them struggled to make ends meet by taking on platform work while looking for a full-time job. As for the disadvantages of such a mode of working, since platform workers are not permanent employees, they are not entitled to labour benefits, and are neither protected under the labour laws nor covered by labour insurance.
The motion today calls for protection to be given to platform workers, and I consider that such a general approach is worth exploring, because in light of the continuous technological development, such a mode of working may become the new normal. More and more people will be engaging in various kinds of work in the new economy through such a mode of working in the future, which will have far-reaching implications for our society. Apart from the provision of protection to platform workers, this is also related to the development of the new economy, the modus operandi in society, etc., and it is therefore necessary for the Government to conduct a comprehensive study in this respect.
As for the specific measures to be adopted, I think the matter should be subject to detailed consideration and deliberation in society, especially by employers and employees. The issues to be examined should include: what changes should be made to the employment relationship in the new economy; should a new mode be developed; what protection should be provided to the workers concerned; and whether the imposition of regulation would stifle the development of emerging industries, etc. It is believed that the Government will have to take a long time to complete the study, while the specific proposals must be agreeable and acceptable to both employers and employees. However, as workers engaging in takeaway delivery and car hailing services are required to perform outdoor work, they have higher risks of accidents and priority consideration should thus be given to providing them with accident protection.
In fact, there are now platform companies providing accident protection to their workers, especially those who work on a long time basis and even on a nearly full-time basis. The protection provided includes the taking out of medical and accident insurance.
I wish to declare interest that the company at which I am serving is studying the introduction of tailor-made and suitable insurance plans covering such areas as medical care, accident protection, death caused by accidents, etc. for platform workers. Platform companies will be responsible for paying part of the premiums, while the remaining costs will be borne by platform workers themselves. I consider that it is an appropriate move to take out accident and medical insurance for platform workers before a comprehensive protection plan is worked out by employers and employees. Thank you, President.