Coupang delivery driver collapses amid heatwave; Samsung installer cites customer ratings for sweat, incentives cut

Delivery workers for e-commerce companies Coupang and Samsung Electronics installers are facing extreme heat and dangerous working conditions, with multiple reports of collapses and health issues. Despite soaring temperatures, workers are pushed to their limits by excessive workloads and tight delivery schedules, with little to no guaranteed rest.

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Even after the statement was released, nothing has changed regarding the reinforcement of cooling facilities. It wouldn't be strange if more workers collapsed every day.

At Coupang, temperatures at delivery camps have been recorded exceeding 33 degrees Celsius (91.4 F) in 86% of measurements, with some reaching over 40 C (104 F). The company has extended order deadlines, increasing delivery volume, but has not adjusted the requirement to complete deliveries by 8 p.m. This forces drivers to work through the hottest parts of the day. Workers also face additional tasks like sorting packages due to delays in the shipping process.

Samsung Electronics appliance installers, who work as independent contractors for a logistics subsidiary, face similar pressures. They are compelled to work through extreme heat, often delivering dozens of heavy appliances daily, with insufficient rest. Some installers report collapsing from dehydration and heat exhaustion, but continue working due to the risk of losing income and contract renewal if they miss days or fail to meet quotas.

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We transport and install heavy home appliances in environments with perceived temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Celsius, completing dozens of deliveries daily. We repeat stair climbing and ladder work without sufficient rest.

Adding to the strain, a recent "Samsung Electronics Thank You Festival" led to a surge in orders, doubling the typical workload for some installers. They are now working from 6:30 a.m. to 9 or 10 p.m. daily. Compounding the issue, installers face penalties for low customer ratings, even if the complaints are about sweat or delivery delays caused by the company's logistics issues. One installer expressed frustration over receiving zero points from customers for reasons like "smelling of sweat" or delivery delays due to product shortages, which impacts their incentives and contract security.

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Customers give low scores for reasons like 'smelling of sweat' or 'sweating a lot.' Some customers give zero points even when delivery is delayed due to product shortages from the 'Samsung Electronics Thank You Festival.' Is it fair to have incentives cut and contract renewal become difficult due to such low scores?

Both Coupang and Samsung Electronics are criticized for creating a system where workers are not guaranteed basic rest and are personally penalized for issues beyond their control. Workers are calling for improved conditions, demanding an environment where they can work like humans, not disposable machines, and where safety is prioritized over performance metrics. The fear of contract termination forces many to work even when ill.

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When installers gather, we talk about how Samsung Electronics Logitec sees us as machines that can be used and discarded. We are asking for improvements to the reality of not being able to rest even in a heatwave, the structure that prioritizes performance over safety, and the reality of having to work even when sick due to fear of contract termination.