On 25 February, “Mengzhu”, a well-known food delivery worker activist, was detained by Beijing police in a raid on his apartment.
Mengzhu – whose real name is Chen Guojiang – was charged with “picking quarrels and provoking trouble”, a catch-all category often used against activists in China.
Chen was leader of the Delivery Riders Alliance, which he founded in 2019. He published short videos about delivery workers’ daily work experiences, calling on them to build solidarity and fight unjust conditions. He also set up chat groups on the Chinese social media app WeChat, reaching about 15,000 delivery workers. A channel on the app provides free legal consultations and other assistance to delivery workers, including mediating disputes, motorbike repairs, and negotiating with insurance companies.
The Delivery Riders Alliance developed into a union-like organisation for food delivery workers in Beijing and had connections with delivery workers in other cities.
Shortly before his arrest, Chen had published a video about a bonus scam by Ele.me, owned by Alibaba, China’s biggest e-commerce company. It was watched by millions and provoked great public criticism against Ele.me.
Media reports of Chen’s detention were blocked or deleted by state censors. Chinese internet activists broadcast an open letter by Chen’s father seeking assistance with legal fees and donated more than 120,000 yuan (US$18,350). On 16 March, Chen’s WeChat channel, where the open letter had been posted, was permanently banned.
Online discussion of Chen’s case was also censored and shut down by the police. Lawyers and students in contact with Chen’s family were investigated and harassed.
Chen’s case illustrates the determination of the Chinese government to prevent the development of any independent worker movements. It follows a typical pattern: often when protests arise, some concessions will be granted while leaders are arrested and the movement is dispersed.
