Conflict Intensifies Between Delivery Workers and Residents of Some Luxury Apartments
Various Abusive Cases Including Motorcycle Riding Ban and Helmet Wearing Ban
Delivery Companies Also Raise Delivery Fees for Some Apartments
Delivery Union Calls It a Modern Caste System Treating Riders as Criminals
On the afternoon of September 2 last year, a delivery rider stopped his motorcycle near Gwanghwamun Station in Jongno-gu, Seoul, to take a short break and hydrate. / Photo by Yonhap News
[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Juhyung] Conflicts between delivery workers and residents of luxury apartments are escalating. Some delivery workers were forced to remove their clothes on the grounds that they might be hiding weapons inside their padded jackets. Another delivery worker had no choice but to use the freight elevator for loading goods. Amid these circumstances, one delivery company raised delivery fees for apartments involved in power abuse controversies, causing the so-called 'luxury apartment delivery worker power abuse' issue to spread widely.
The delivery workers' labor union, 'Rider Union,' stated in a press release on the 1st, "Since last month, we have received reports of (power abuse) through photos, videos, and open KakaoTalk chat rooms where delivery workers gather," adding, "As a result, we have compiled a list of 103 apartment complexes with the most severe power abuse cases in Seoul, Busan, Incheon, Gwangju, and other areas."
According to reports from delivery workers, such power abuse mainly came from residents of high-end mixed-use apartment complexes. The cases of abuse included various restrictions such as banning motorcycles within apartment complexes, prohibiting the wearing of helmets, and forcing the use of freight elevators.
One delivery worker revealed that motorcycles were banned within the large complex, forcing him to walk long distances to make deliveries. He said, "Because motorcycles were not allowed, it took more than twice the usual time compared to normal delivery locations," expressing, "I felt immense shame and humiliation."
There were also cases where delivery workers were made to remove outerwear and raincoats when entering apartments. When some delivery workers protested, asking "Why do we have to do this?" the residents responded, "Because weapons could be hidden inside padded jackets."
Apartments that allow the use of freight elevators or block motorcycles from entering the ground level. / Photo by Rider Union
In addition, some apartments banned helmet wearing on the grounds that it was intimidating, and there were reports that delivery workers were forced to use freight elevators instead of passenger elevators.
Given these circumstances, some delivery workers raised delivery fees for apartments with severe power abuse. Earlier, on the 23rd of last month, a notice of delivery fee increase sent by a delivery agency to an apartment complex in Seongdong-gu, Seoul, was made public on social media and online communities, sparking controversy.
In the notice, the delivery agency explained, "We plan to add 2,000 won to the delivery fee," stating, "The apartment security company blocks delivery motorcycles from entering the complex, requires delivery workers to show identification, and forces them to use the freight elevator, which makes delivery workers reluctant to deliver."
Last month, a delivery agency sent a notice stating that delivery fees would be increased for certain abusive apartment complexes, sparking controversy. / Photo by Online Community Capture
Regarding this decision by the company, some netizens supported it, saying, "Delivery should be completely banned in apartments that abuse power," and "Raise the fees even more," while others opposed it, arguing, "Discrimination against specific customers should not be allowed."
Meanwhile, the delivery workers' union has called for improvements and policy recommendations regarding the power abuse issue in apartments.
The 'Delivery Service Branch of the General Services Union, Service Federation, Korean Confederation of Trade Unions' (Delivery Union) held a press conference in front of the National Human Rights Commission on the 2nd, urging the resolution of power abuse problems in some apartments.
On that day, the Delivery Union criticized, "The social prejudice that treats delivery riders as potential criminals and trivial labor is a human rights violation that occurs more frequently in luxury apartments and high-end buildings," calling it "a modern caste system created by towering apartments and buildings."
They added, "If you demand delivery on foot without making demands that ignore rider human rights, you must pay a corresponding price," emphasizing, "We must guarantee the human rights of delivery riders and stop the power abuse that disregards riders."
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