Human Rights Commission Urges Courier Companies to Develop Countermeasures

Chairperson Choi Young-ae of the Human Rights Commission Issues Statement
"Long Working Hours Must Be Addressed"
Also Recommends Legislative Revision and Amendment to the National Assembly

Seoul branch office of a courier company / Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Dong-hoon] Regarding the consecutive deaths of delivery workers, the National Human Rights Commission has urged the National Assembly and delivery companies to establish measures to protect the human rights of these special-type workers (special employment workers).

On the 29th, Choi Young-ae, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission, stated in the "Statement on the Deaths of Delivery Workers" that "The preference for non-face-to-face services has explosively increased the demand for deliveries, and delivery workers are required to work long continuous hours," adding, "There is a growing voice pointing out that the recent consecutive deaths of delivery workers stem from this excessive workload."

Chairperson Choi emphasized that delivery workers, who are representative special employment workers, should be protected as "workers." She said, "Under current laws and systems, delivery workers have been regarded as 'self-employed (individual business owners),' and ensuring the labor rights of special employment workers is a major task for our society."

She particularly pointed out the need to resolve the issue of delivery workers' "long working hours." Chairperson Choi said, "According to a recent survey conducted by the nonprofit organization Work and Health, delivery workers work six days a week, averaging 71.3 hours per week and more than 12 hours per day," adding, "The International Labour Organization (ILO) adopted the 'Convention limiting working hours to 8 hours per day and 48 hours per week' as its first convention."

The Human Rights Commission has continuously recommended enacting separate legislation or revising related provisions in labor and social security laws to ensure the human rights and legal protection of special employment workers. Chairperson Choi stated, "It is positive that major delivery companies have recently prepared and announced related measures, but efforts must continue to lead to more practical measures in the future," and added, "We hope that the National Assembly will legislate to substantially improve the treatment and working conditions of delivery workers."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.