Put Up a Petition, Police Report for 'Trespassing'... How Long Will the Conflict Between Delivery Workers and Residents Last?

"Seeking Consultation"... Police Report Filed After Posting 'Appeal Letter'
Fatigue from 'Delivery Conflict' Continuing for a Month
Experts "Government and Local Authorities Should Mediate"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Juhee] An apartment complex in Godeok-dong, Gangdong-gu, Seoul, which has been embroiled in conflict over ground-level access for delivery trucks, recently reported delivery drivers to the police for posting a 'petition letter.' As the conflict between residents and delivery drivers, ongoing for about a month since the 1st, shows signs of deepening without finding an appropriate solution, some voices are calling for mediation. Experts emphasize that the government and local authorities should make efforts to resolve social conflicts.

According to media reports on the 30th, the Gangdong Police Station in Seoul announced on the 28th that it is investigating after receiving a 112 report from the apartment management on the 13th stating that "two delivery drivers entered the apartment hallway without permission and left flyers in front of homes."

Residents emphasized in the petition letter that "if deliveries are made to the front of homes using low-floor vehicles or handcarts instead of general vehicles (box trucks) accessing the ground level, the labor time and intensity for delivery drivers will increase, threatening their health and safety," and expressed a desire to "discuss and find alternatives with residents."

The police stated that since it is true that delivery drivers entered the apartment building, they will review charges such as trespassing or unauthorized posting of advertisements under the Minor Offenses Act and make a judgment accordingly.

Meanwhile, the National Delivery Workers' Union of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions Service Federation is opposing this. At a press conference, the union said, "We want to ask whether reporting delivery workers to the police for trespassing just because they tried to raise awareness about the deteriorating labor conditions and seek help is appropriate," adding, "We only wanted to hand over a single flyer expressing our wish to talk with the residents' representative meeting and, if possible, come up with practical measures."

On the morning of the 8th, delivery drivers are comparing a regular delivery vehicle and a low-floor delivery vehicle in front of an apartment in Godeok-dong, Gangdong-gu, Seoul. / Photo by Yonhap News

The conflict between delivery drivers and the apartment management arose after the apartment imposed a ban on delivery vehicles accessing the ground-level sidewalks. The apartment management made this decision on the 1st, citing concerns that vehicles traveling on the ground-level sidewalks could cause facility damage and safety accidents.

Using the underground parking lot is possible, but general delivery vehicles (2.5?2.7m in height) cannot enter because the height limit for the underground parking entrance is 2.3m.

In response, delivery drivers protested by stacking delivery packages at the apartment entrance and refusing individual deliveries for a time, but after suffering verbal abuse and "text message bombings" from some residents, they resumed individual deliveries.

As a solution, modifying or replacing box trucks with low-floor vehicles was suggested, but since delivery drivers are classified as special employment workers, they would have to bear all modification costs personally. Additionally, concerns were raised that lower vehicle bodies would require frequent deep bending of the waist when moving goods, posing health risks.

Currently, delivery drivers are reportedly parking their vehicles at the apartment entrance and delivering packages one by one using handcarts.

An appeal letter distributed at an apartment complex in Godeok-dong, Gangdong-gu, Seoul, where delivery workers are experiencing conflicts. / Photo by the National Delivery Workers' Union, Service Federation, Korean Confederation of Trade Unions

In response, the apartment management stated that they have been negotiating with delivery companies for a year and provided sufficient guidance periods while announcing the ban on ground-level access for delivery vehicles.

As the conflict between delivery drivers and the apartment remains unresolved, citizens observing the situation are expressing fatigue. Office worker Lim (29) said, "I don't think this is just an issue between the apartment complex and delivery drivers. When such problems arise, I believe delivery companies or local governments should step in to ensure delivery workers can work under proper conditions," adding, "People are dying, and many are suffering, yet delivery companies and local governments are just standing by and watching. It's irresponsible."

Experts emphasize that the government and local authorities must make efforts to resolve social conflicts.

Kim Seungtaek, Deputy Director of the Korea Labor Institute, said, "The best way is for the parties involved to talk and reach an agreement. For example, they could designate routes for ground-level access or set specific times. Delivery companies could also consider providing low-floor vehicles to delivery drivers."

He added, "Currently, neither side is willing to compromise, and the conflict is intensifying, so intervention by relevant authorities is necessary. When social conflicts arise, the government and local authorities should lead efforts to facilitate agreements."

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