On a scale of 1 to 5, where 5 represents significant concern, the average score for worry and anxiety regarding income among delivery workers was 3.7. (Yonhap)
SEOUL, Oct. 24 (Korea Bizwire) –A recent survey revealed that more than half of delivery workers have seen a reduction in their income since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study, conducted online by the Delivery Platform Workers’ Union and the National Legislative Center over the course of a month, beginning on July 24th this year, involved 1,300 food delivery workers.
According to the survey, a substantial 62.3 percent of the respondents reported a decline in their earnings due to the pandemic, with 32 percent experiencing a drop in income despite working the same number of hours as they did before. In contrast, only 6.8 percent mentioned an increase in income.
Prior to deducting expenses, the average monthly income stood at approximately 2.84 million won.
The average number of hours delivery workers desired to work each week was 45 hours, whereas the actual hours worked averaged at 54.
When questioned about the reasons for engaging in risky driving behavior, 36.6 percent mentioned it was to meet requirements related to events, missions, promotions, and the like. Another 32.1 percent cited the need to expedite deliveries, rectify late deliveries, compensate for delivery errors, or address a backlog of calls.
On a scale of 1 to 5, where 5 represents significant concern, the average score for worry and anxiety regarding income among delivery workers was 3.7. Similarly, the level of anxiety concerning job security was rated at 3.8.
Furthermore, a notable 67.3 percent of respondents claimed that the algorithm employed by platform companies significantly impacts their delivery work. About 45.5 percent expressed distrust in algorithmic information and work allocation, and this distrust was more prevalent among those with greater years of delivery experience and multiple contracted delivery companies.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
