Courier Strike and Withdrawal of Sorting Staff... Is a Delivery Crisis Becoming a Reality?

On the 21st, delivery workers are sorting packages at the CJ Logistics Gangnam 2 Branch terminal parcel sorting site in Seocho-gu, Seoul. Photo by the National Assembly Press Photographers Group

[Asia Economy Reporter Dongwoo Lee] The delivery workers' union declared a full strike on the 29th, and some delivery agency owners also decided to withdraw sorting personnel on the same day, raising concerns about a nationwide delivery disruption.

The CJ Logistics Delivery Agency Association stated on the 28th that they demand the company clearly take responsibility for the costs of deploying over 3,000 sorting personnel, and if no agreement is reached, they will proceed with withdrawing the personnel.

They claimed, "CJ Logistics announced in October last year that they would invest 50 billion won to deploy sorting personnel," and "currently, 70% of the costs for sorting personnel are paid by the agencies." They argue that it must be clarified that the business operator is the responsible party for delivery sorting personnel.

Regarding the withdrawal of sorting personnel, CJ Logistics said, "If 3,000 personnel are withdrawn, delivery disruptions in some areas may be inevitable," and added, "This matter has not been discussed with the Agency Association; we are currently assessing the situation."

Meanwhile, delivery companies refuted the union's claim that sorting work, which is the basis for the general strike, must continue, stating that the official letter is inaccurate.

Baemyungsoon, Secretary General of the Delivery Committee at the Korea Integrated Logistics Association, said, "Delivery companies are trying to complete the deployment of sorting personnel before the Lunar New Year by advancing the original schedule planned until the end of March," and added, "Discussions about sorting personnel should be resumed after structural improvements, but the union interprets this as an order for delivery workers to continue sorting work."