Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's "Strict Response Policy" to 4,000 Parcel Delivery Union Members' Protest at Yeouido Park

On the 16th, workers belonging to the National Courier Union continued a 1-night, 2-day sit-in protest at Yeouido Park in Seoul, demanding the reinforcement of dedicated courier sorting personnel and the enactment of laws to prevent death from overwork. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Dong-hoon] The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency has announced a strict response policy toward the delivery workers' union conducting a two-day protest in Seoul.

On the 16th, the Seoul Police issued a press release stating, "Currently, thousands of people who have come to Seoul from various regions are gathering around Yeouido, raising serious concerns that the government's quarantine system, which the public has diligently maintained, could be instantly undermined." They added, "The Seoul city government issued an administrative order banning the assembly to the delivery workers' union yesterday based on the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act, and plans to file a complaint with the police today."

About 4,000 members of the National Delivery Workers' Union under the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) Service Federation held a rally at Yeouido Park in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, from the afternoon of the previous day, demanding the cessation of burden shifting related to sorting work and the implementation of a social agreement. Those who came from all over the country set up tents and mats in the park and stayed overnight, resuming the rally early in the morning.

The police stated, "Considering the severity of the recent COVID-19 situation, we are working jointly with quarantine authorities to deploy maximum personnel and equipment to promptly resolve any violations of quarantine rules on site." They added, "For illegal acts that endanger the community, we will form a dedicated investigation team and, in cooperation with quarantine authorities, pursue multifaceted judicial and administrative measures, responding strictly according to law and principles."

Additionally, the police plan to thoroughly manage the health of police personnel deployed to this rally by conducting proactive diagnostic tests and other measures to ensure their quarantine management.