New rules aim to safeguard taxi drivers' rights

China will release a series of new rules to regulate the labor relations between the country's two million taxi drivers and their employers.

Taxi in Beijing [file photo]

Jointly released by the Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security and All China Federation of Trade Unions, the rules aim to protect taxi drivers' rights and allow their companies to develop well.

Collective talks will be introduced so that drivers and employers can negotiate contract fees, income, social security and days off.

Under the rules, taxi drivers will have one day off every week.

The rising cost of oil prices and taxi fares will be addressed. Problems over parking, using toilets and eating will also be improved.

China has a total of more than 8,700 taxi companies, one million taxis and two million taxi drivers. Most of the cabs are owned by companies and rented to individuals for monthly fees. In Beijing, for example, a typical rental rate might be 200 yuan a day.