This photo, taken on Sept. 16, 2020, shows deliverymen of South Korea’s food delivery application operators. (Yonhap)
SEOUL, Oct. 6 (Korea Bizwire) — A labor union representing gig workers of food delivery apps on Wednesday has argued that guaranteed income during less busy hours better ensures safe driving.
Rider Union conducted a study of 29 delivery workers last August, asking them to adhere to traffic regulations during peak hours between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. to see if there was any change in their income.
The median income earned while following traffic regulations was 16,000 won (US$11.36), which was 2,600 won less than what was earned by those who didn’t follow traffic laws.
The number of deliveries made during peak hours also dropped from 10 to six or seven.
Rider Union argued that a system that ensures an appropriate amount of income during non-peak hours would work as an incentive for delivery workers to adhere to traffic regulations.
Food delivery service platforms raise the delivery price during peak hours between noon and 1 p.m. or 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., with rates during non-peak hours remaining lower.
Rider Union pointed out that overall delivery fees had dropped even further this year.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
