Meituan to End Overtime Penalties for Couriers by Year-End

A New Era for Meituan Couriers: Overtime Penalties Vanish 🚴‍♂️✨

It’s rare to hear about a corporate policy change that brings hope and smiles to thousands of frontline workers — but Meituan’s decision to cancel overtime penalties for couriers by 2025 just might be that beacon of optimism we all needed! The announcement, which sparked a trending buzz on August 27th, marks an exciting step toward recognizing and rewarding the hard work of delivery riders across China.

From Penalties to Positive Incentives: A Game-Changing Shift

For years, couriers faced the dreaded overtime penalty system — a framework that docked their earnings if they worked beyond stipulated hours, often leading to stress and burnout. But Meituan is switching gears. Instead of punishing overtime, they’re piloting an innovative "Anzhun Card" ("安准卡") system that balances overtime demerits with on-time delivery bonuses. Pretty cool, right? 😎

This change isn’t coming out of the blue. Starting in December 2024, Meituan launched pilot programs in Quanzhou, then expanded to other cities like Nanning and Wuhan in 2025. Thanks to constant feedback from riders, the company has been fine-tuning the system to ensure it’s fair and rewarding.

Why This Matters: More Than Just Money

At first glance, removing overtime penalties might seem like a simple payroll tweak. But it’s actually about much more: enhancing work-life balance, improving job satisfaction, and fostering a culture that values courier well-being. 🌟

For many couriers, this means less anxiety about making ends meet and more motivation to provide excellent service without fear of losing pay. Plus, the incorporation of technology and algorithms tailored to rider feedback makes the process smarter and more personalized.

Looking Ahead: A Hopeful Future for Delivery Riders

As the policy rolls out to more cities through 2025, expect to see a wave of optimism among delivery drivers and the broader logistics industry. With Meituan leading the charge, other platforms might follow suit — ushering in an era where courier work is seen not just as hustle but as a sustainable career.

So, here’s to brighter days ahead for delivery heroes! 🥳 Whether it’s quicker deliveries or healthier work environments, Meituan’s move is proof that even in fast-paced industries, empathy and innovation can thrive hand in hand.

Stay tuned for further updates on how these exciting changes unfold and impact the lives of thousands of hardworking couriers nationwide!