Riders involved in a dispute over pay and conditions with food delivery company HungryPanda in Sydney have reported that Chinese police summoned family members in China and threatened the riders with arrest if they returned to China. This situation has raised concerns about potential foreign interference in the ongoing disagreement between HungryPanda and some of its riders.
Allegations of Police Contact
Earlier this month, Sydney-based HungryPanda riders reportedly discussed protest plans or work stoppages on the Chinese social media app WeChat.
"Wang Zhuoying, a former HungryPanda driver with a legal claim against the company, stated she received three phone calls from police in her home province in China, which she found 'targeted' and 'intimidating'."
She was advised to avoid participating in protests abroad and was later threatened with arrest upon return to China if she protested in Australia.
Another delivery driver, Wang Caifa, reported that his father in China was taken to a local police station and warned about his son's alleged involvement in "dangerous activities" overseas. Police reportedly inquired about the protest's organization, time, and location, advising compliance with local laws.
Contact Methods and Context
Riders were contacted on their Chinese mobile numbers, which they maintain for use in Australia via international roaming. These numbers are registered under real-name rules in China, enabling easier identification of account holders. Many riders keep these numbers active to access WeChat, whose mainland version, Weixin, operates under Chinese law and reportedly complies with authorities' requests. Public protests and demonstrations in China require prior official approval, and unauthorized assemblies can constitute a criminal offense.
"The ABC independently verified these exchanges by reviewing phone records and message communications with officers identifying as police from various Chinese provinces."
Many HungryPanda riders are Chinese nationals holding temporary visas in Australia, with family members residing in China.
Responses from Company and Government
HungryPanda, which launched in 2017 and operates globally, stated it was "not aware of the situation." A media spokesperson suggested that riders' discussions in the WeChat group might have "triggered attention from cyber police." The Chinese Embassy in Canberra did not respond to inquiries regarding the phone calls. The ABC found no evidence to suggest HungryPanda or its affiliates were involved in the alleged police actions.
Australian government officials have expressed concerns.
"Labor Senator Tony Sheldon emphasized the legal right of all individuals working in Australia to organize and advocate for fair pay and conditions without intimidation."
He affirmed that the Albanese government treats all allegations of foreign interference seriously. Greens Senator David Shoebridge highlighted the need for enhanced protections for gig workers, particularly those on global platforms.
Background and Previous Controversies
"China expert Richard McGregor of the Lowy Institute characterized the intervention as 'sinister' and unusual for issues unrelated to sensitive political matters in China."
He noted that multiple calls from different locations suggested a high degree of organization.
This is not the first public controversy for HungryPanda, which has faced industrial and political pressure in Australia regarding rider pay and conditions. The Transport Workers Union (TWU) has previously accused the company of exploitative practices. In 2022, the family of a HungryPanda delivery driver killed while working in 2020 received an $830,000 payout after a court determined he was an employee, not an independent contractor. In 2021, HungryPanda also reinstated two riders who had pursued legal action for unfair dismissal. The TWU continues to advocate for an end to arbitrary pay cuts and improved treatment for HungryPanda workers.