On Wednesday, amidst heavy snowfall, a delivery worker braved the treacherous roads (screenshot image of an online community site)
SEOUL, Nov. 28 (Korea Bizwire) – On Wednesday morning, a heavy snowstorm blanketed the Seoul metropolitan area, forcing many delivery workers to make a difficult decision: stay safe or earn higher wages.
A delivery rider from Incheon, identified as Mr. A, initially planned to take the day off for a health checkup. However, the sudden surge in delivery fees—from the usual 1,000 KRW to 6,000 KRW per trip—made him reconsider. “It’s dangerous out there, but how can I take a break on a day like this?” he said in an interview.
Despite treacherous road conditions, many delivery workers braved the snow, drawn by lucrative promotional rates. Online forums for delivery workers were flooded with posts reflecting their dilemma: “You just have to assume you’ll fall,” one worker wrote. Another lamented, “The platforms lure us in with high rates but don’t care about safety.”
Accidents were inevitable. In Suwon, a delivery worker named Kang Joon injured his ankle after slipping on an icy street. Kang had been enticed by a platform’s offer of an additional 30,000 KRW for completing eight deliveries within three hours.
Meanwhile, another worker, Ju Sung-jung, abandoned his plans to work after seeing the snow accumulation outside his house. “The platforms are focused on maximizing deliveries, not ensuring our safety,” he said.
Advocates say systemic issues exacerbate the risks. Gu Gyo-hyun, head of the Rider Union under the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, criticized the platforms’ low base delivery rates.
“In just eight months, 16 delivery workers have died on the job. These fee structures force workers to take dangerous risks for money,” he said.
In response, South Korea’s ruling party and the government announced plans to introduce the “Support Act for Vulnerable Workers” on November 26. The proposed law aims to provide protections for freelancers, gig workers, and employees of small businesses with fewer than five workers—groups traditionally excluded from labor laws.
Key measures include financial support for employment stability, conflict resolution mechanisms, standardized contracts, and mandatory insurance to safeguard workers’ rights. A committee under the Ministry of Employment and Labor would oversee the initiatives.
While the bill reflects growing public awareness of gig workers’ challenges, labor advocates argue it falls short. “It doesn’t address critical issues like access to social insurance or higher delivery fees,” said Gu, calling for the implementation of a “Safe Freight Rate System” and mandatory insurance coverage for delivery workers.
The debate highlights the urgent need for comprehensive reforms to balance safety and fair compensation for South Korea’s gig economy workforce.
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
