Government to Operate 'Unfair Practices Reporting Period in the Delivery Industry' in December

"Reports of Power Abuse and Unfair Transactions Accepted via Ministry of Land, Fair Trade Commission, and Ministry of Employment Websites"

Delivery drivers preparing for delivery after completing sorting work at a parcel logistics center in Seoul. (Image source=Yonhap News)

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the Fair Trade Commission, and the Ministry of Employment and Labor announced on the 30th that they will designate the period from the 1st to the 31st of next month as a special reporting period for unfair practices in the courier industry and will operate a reporting center and an anonymous reporting center.

The government explained that the reporting centers are being operated as a follow-up measure to the courier driver overwork prevention measures jointly announced by related ministries on the 12th.

Reports can be made through the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport’s logistics reporting center website and call center, or through the websites of the Fair Trade Commission and the Ministry of Employment and Labor.

During the reporting period, the government plans to investigate unfair practices across the industry, such as abusive contracts by consignors, courier companies, and agencies, unfair treatment of courier workers, and "baekmajin" (a type of rebate).

Based on the reports, the government will identify the actual conditions of unfair trade and use them to promote policies such as establishing fair trade order in the courier industry and improving the treatment of workers. Any illegal activities will be strictly dealt with according to relevant laws and regulations.

A government official stated, "In addition to establishing market order in the courier industry through reports of unfair practices, we plan to steadily implement measures to prevent courier driver overwork and promote industry development, including preparing standard contracts, improving price structures, and supporting the construction of courier terminals and automation facilities."