China’s economic slowdown has fallen especially hard on older migrant workers, who often don’t have the technical skills that employers are seeking. This has created a precarious situation for those who rely on day labor jobs, with many now struggling to find consistent work.
Workers looking for day labor jobs near Majuqiao, in Beijing, around 4 a.m. one day in July. People from around the country gather here every morning for a chance to earn money. The labor market is a microcosm of broader economic challenges, with older workers facing increasing difficulty in securing stable employment.