Initiation of Social Dialogue on Protection Measures for Platform Workers Including Delivery Drivers

Launch of the Platform Industry Committee under the Economic, Social and Labor Council

Delivery courier labor union 'Rider Union' representatives are urging the guarantee of vaccine leave for delivery workers and regulation of unfair artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms used by delivery platforms in front of Baemin Riders Southern Center in Gangnam-gu, Seoul on the 16th. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] A social dialogue has begun to explore ways to protect platform workers, such as food delivery drivers who receive tasks through digital applications, and to develop the platform industry.

The Economic, Social and Labor Council (ESLC), a social dialogue body under the direct control of the President, held an inauguration ceremony for its subsidiary organization, the 'Platform Industry Committee,' on the 17th at the ESLC main conference room in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

The committee plans to identify the demands of platform workers, turn them into agenda items, and listen to the opinions of platform companies to prepare regulatory improvement measures.

Specifically, possible agenda items include ▲supporting career development through job training and career certification systems for platform workers ▲establishing dispute resolution bodies for platform workers and companies ▲creating a platform industry ecosystem and regulations ▲establishing conflict resolution bodies between existing industries and the platform industry.

Reflecting the reality that platform sectors are becoming increasingly diverse, including not only food delivery but also software development, digital content creation such as webtoons, legal services, and household care services, the committee plans to activate the operation of sector-specific subcommittees.

Professor Kim Hyejin of Sejong University’s Department of Business Administration was appointed as the chairperson of the Platform Committee. In addition, three labor representatives, three management representatives, seven public interest members, and three government members at the director level from the Ministry of Science and ICT, Ministry of Economy and Finance, and Ministry of Labor will participate.

Chairperson Kim said, "We will work together with labor, management, and government to devise wise measures to achieve both the improvement and protection of the basic rights of platform workers and the innovation of platforms."