Motorbikes for food delivery are parked along a street in Seoul. (Yonhap)
SUWON, May 23 (Korea Bizwire) — The Gyeonggi provincial government is considering the provision of “social participation income” to delivery workers, in line with its support for artists and individuals with disabilities.
Participation income, a key initiative led by Gyeonggi Gov. Kim Dong-yeon, aims to guarantee incomes for individuals who generate social value but are not adequately rewarded.
The provincial government on Monday issued a preliminary notice regarding the amendment of the delivery worker support ordinance.
The ordinance specifies the provision of cash or local currency (which can only be spent at local businesses and traditional markets) for those engaged in delivering food and products as part of platform work.
However, this benefit is limited to delivery workers who complete recognized safety education programs and adhere to traffic and safety regulations.
“We are currently in discussions with the Ministry of Health and Welfare to provide an annual sum of 1.2 million won (US$915), with 600,000 won allocated for each half of the year,” an official from the provincial government said.
Nonetheless, some individuals have raised concerns regarding the justification of providing allowances to delivery workers solely based on their compliance with traffic laws, as adherence to the law should be expected.
Additionally, the provincial government unveiled plans to extend participation income to artists and individuals with disabilities.
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
