Coupang delivery workers collapse from heat; union files complaint

The Coupang Drivers and Delivery Workers Union has filed a complaint against Coupang's logistics subsidiary, Coupang CLS, accusing the company of violating the Occupational Safety and Health Act. The union claims that six delivery and dispatch workers collapsed due to heatstroke in August alone. They argue that Coupang CLS failed to implement sufficient cooling measures or adjust delivery deadlines, despite two workers collapsing on a single day, August 4th.

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There is a need to investigate whether Coupang CLS, as a contractor, has properly implemented measures to prevent industrial accidents.

The union's complaint to the Seoul Regional Employment and Labor Office highlights concerns about whether Coupang CLS, as a contractor, adequately fulfilled its obligations for preventing industrial accidents. The incidents began on August 4th at Coupang's Seoul Seocho and Songpa camps, with a total of six workers requiring hospitalization due to heat exposure this month.

While Coupang CLS temporarily extended the delivery deadline for fresh food from 8 p.m. to midnight from August 8th to 15th, the union dismissed this as ineffective. "The measure was limited to some regions and not properly communicated company-wide, with some delivery agencies receiving the extended deadline notice late," said Kang Min-wook, head of the Coupang Union.

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The measure was limited to some regions and not properly communicated company-wide, with some delivery agencies receiving the extended deadline notice late.

The union criticized Coupang for offering only temporary solutions instead of fundamental measures for worker safety during heatwaves. Kang pointed out that Coupang is not participating in the "Delivery-Free Day" on August 14-15, designated for ensuring delivery workers' rest. He stressed the need for fundamental solutions considering the expected surge in deliveries during the Liberation Day holiday and the ongoing heatwave.

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Coupang is not participating in the 'Delivery-Free Day' on August 14-15, designated for ensuring delivery workers' rest.

Coupang CLS stated that it has implemented safety measures for work during heatwaves. A company representative said, "We continuously advise workers to stop working if they experience any symptoms, and most of the drivers who reported feeling unwell received medical treatment and returned home." The union also requested the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport to issue an improvement order to Coupang CLS for violating its duty to ensure worker safety and failing to prepare adequate measures for the hot season.

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We continuously advise workers to stop working if they experience any symptoms, and most of the drivers who reported feeling unwell received medical treatment and returned home.