Government Launches Inspection of Major Courier Firms to Protect Workers from Heat Wave and Unfair Contracts

The South Korean government has initiated a comprehensive inspection of major parcel delivery companies to safeguard workers during the summer heat and address unfair subcontracting practices.

Starting August 6th, the Ministry of Employment and Labor, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, and the Fair Trade Commission will conduct joint on-site checks at five leading firms: CJ Logistics Co., Coupang Logistics Services LLC, Lotte Global Logistics Co., Hanjin Co., and Rosen Co.

Authorities from the Ministry of Employment and Labor and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport will directly visit logistics centers and operational sites to ensure that preventative measures against heat-related illnesses for delivery workers are being properly implemented.

The Ministry of Employment and Labor will pay special attention to compliance with the “Five Key Heatwave Safety Rules” at each site. They will also examine the establishment and operation of spot cooling equipment and the expansion of rest shelters, known as "cool zones," particularly at sub-hubs and delivery camps.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport will inspect whether the industry's "social agreement provisions," put in place since June 2021, are being followed. These include excluding delivery workers from parcel sorting tasks, enrolling them in employment and industrial accident insurance, and keeping weekly and daily work hours within prescribed limits—60 hours per week and 12 hours per day, respectively.

Additionally, the government will verify that adequate break times and rest facilities are provided within sub-terminals and delivery camps, and that there are sufficient vehicle operation areas and docking facilities to ensure worker safety.

The Fair Trade Commission will investigate the contractual relationships between headquarters and major agencies, focusing on identifying unfair subcontracting practices. This includes an examination of excessive performance targets, contract termination, shifting the costs of industrial accidents onto contractors, and other improper special clauses.

The commission will also look into cases involving delayed or unjustly reduced subcontracting payments.

Note “This article was translated from the original Korean version using AI assistance, and subsequently edited by a native-speaking journalist.”

Photo=Policy Briefing, Yonhap News Agency