SEOUL: South Korea’s delivery workers have fallen into what they call a “legal blind spot” and say it’s a deadly place to be as the novel coronavirus drives an unprecedented boom in online business.
Labour rights have made huge progress in South Korea over the past couple of decades but the couriers say they have seen little benefit.
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Jeong working at the distribution center in Gwangju, South Korea. He starts his day at 7am with a five-hour stint at a conveyor belt sorting about 250 packages to deliver that day and is not paid for the sorting. — Reuters
A parcel delivery worker for CJ Logistics works at its distribution center in Gwangju, South Korea. — Reuters
Parcels are conveyed at a CJ Logistics distribution center in Gwangju, South Korea. — Reuters
A worker stands as parcels are conveyed at a CJ Logistics distribution center in Gwangju, South Korea. — Reuters
Parcel shipments increased some 12% a year in South Korea from 2004 as online shipping grew, then surged 23% from February to October this year, compared with the same period last year, as the pandemic hit, according to government data. — Reuters
Parcels are conveyed as trucks for delivery are parked at a CJ Logistics distribution center in Gwangju, South Korea. — Reuters
Delivery people and others working under subcontracts are regarded as self-employed and do not get the minimum hourly wage, nor overtime, and most have no insurance for on-the-job injuries. — Reuters
Jeong holds a package as he rides an elevator in Gwangju, South Korea as he makes a delivery. — Reuters
Parcels delivery workers for CJ Logistics chant slogans as they get ready at its distribution center in Gwangju, South Korea. The banner reads ‘Reduce overwork, increase jobs, for high quality service’. — Reuters
Jeong pushes a handcart with a package past a red maple tree in Gwangju, South Korea. The father of three takes home about US$2,200 (RM9,002), but puts in some 71.3 hours a week to earn it. — Reuters
Jeong usually skips his lunch break to save time, driving a truck he pays for until he finishes at about 9pm. — Reuters
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