"Coupang-Originated COVID-19 Cluster Infection" Victims File Compensation Claims... "Fair Compensation Required"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Jung-yoon] Workers at the Coupang logistics center, where a cluster infection of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) occurred, have filed a lawsuit against Coupang seeking damages.

The "Coupang COVID-19 Victims' Group" held a press conference in front of the Seoul Eastern District Court on the 29th, stating, "We have filed a civil lawsuit to investigate Coupang's illegal actions and seek rightful compensation."

The victims' group claimed, "Coupang failed to fulfill its duty of care and safety obligations according to the employment relationship," and "did not take the safety and health measures that the employer is required to observe under the Industrial Safety and Health Act."

They continued, "Although Coupang was aware on May 24 that multiple confirmed cases had occurred at the Bucheon center, they only disinfected part of the workplace and resumed operations normally within just four hours without any consultation with quarantine authorities," adding, "Even though additional confirmed cases occurred on May 25, they did not immediately close the workplace."

The victims' group also emphasized, "We have yet to receive an apology or proper compensation from Coupang," and "Although we had several meetings with Coupang, they avoided responsibility, fearing the lawsuit could be disadvantageous, and rejected our request to form a damage investigation committee composed of experts to objectively investigate the damages."

Meanwhile, a total of 152 cumulative confirmed cases, including 84 employees working at the Coupang Bucheon Fresh Logistics Center and 68 family members and acquaintances, were reported in May. Eleven victims are participating in this lawsuit, but the amount of damages claimed per person has not been disclosed.

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