Platform dependence grows for used car dealers, truckers, raising concerns over worker protection

The reach of online platform-based labor is expanding beyond delivery drivers, now encompassing sectors like used car sales and freight transport, leaving workers vulnerable to platform control.

Im Hyun-woo, a used car dealer, faced a sudden service suspension from the online auction platform 'Hey Dealer' after disputing a vehicle's accident history. He believes the suspension stemmed from his complaints, effectively cutting off his livelihood. "This is no different from cutting off my means of survival," Im lamented, highlighting the absolute dependence on platforms like 'Hey Dealer' for sourcing vehicles and 'Encar' for sales in the used car industry.

Similarly, in the freight transport sector, many truck drivers rely on platforms like 'Hwambman' for daily work instead of fixed contracts. Drivers bid on jobs posted by intermediaries, often unaware of the initial freight charges or the commission rates deducted by middlemen. This creates a fierce competition environment where drivers prioritize securing work over fair compensation.

Experts argue that current offline-centric legal frameworks are insufficient for the rapidly evolving online platform market. "Platform-dependent businesses and sole proprietors are classified as freelancers, falling into a blind spot where they are not protected by labor laws," explained Lee Ju-han, a lawyer with the Lawyers for Democratic Society's Committee for People's Livelihoods. He added that existing fair trade laws, designed for offline markets, do not adequately regulate new forms of unfair practices emerging on online platforms.

There is a pressing need for institutional improvements to protect platform workers and clarify platform accountability. Recommendations include guaranteeing collective bargaining rights, enabling platform workers to negotiate terms with platform operators, and enhancing transaction transparency. The introduction of legislation like the 'Online Platform Mediation Transaction Fair Trade Act' is also proposed to more concretely define the responsibilities and obligations of platform businesses.