Coupang: "Public Transport Union Makes False Claims Using Temporary Worker Who Worked Only Two Days"

Coupang Issues Statement: "Union Press Conference Distorts Facts"
"100% Salary Paid to Deokpyeong Employees... Reassignment Underway"
"Security Staff Actively Worked to Extinguish Fire and Evacuate Employees"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bo-kyung] Coupang, embroiled in various suspicions over the Deokpyeong Logistics Center fire accident, has pushed back against the claims made by the logistics center labor union. They argued that the union is making false claims by presenting an employee who worked only two days before quitting, and portraying Coupang as a company that dismisses Deokpyeong Logistics Center employees.

On the 24th, Coupang released a statement titled "The Public Transport Union Should Stop Distorting the Facts," rebutting that "the contents revealed by the union at the press conference that day are different from the facts." Coupang stated, "They are inciting conflict by distorting facts, such as defaming Coupang based on unilateral claims from employees who left years ago for their political purposes."

Coupang announced that among the 1,484 employees subject to reassignment at the Deokpyeong Logistics Center where the fire occurred, 97% (1,446 people) have been smoothly reassigned, and shuttle bus routes have been newly established in areas without transportation options for reassigned employees.

Additionally, "The union claims that Coupang is withholding 70% of the suspension allowance and leaving employees who did not work unpaid, but in reality, Coupang is paying 100% of the salary even during periods when employees did not work," the company said.

They also pointed out issues regarding the qualifications of speakers at the Progressive Party press conference held at Coupang headquarters that afternoon. Coupang stated, "Among the employees who took the podium, there were employees who had already left years ago," and "Those exposing Coupang's poor working conditions only worked at Coupang for two or five days several years ago."

They continued, "We urge the union to stop continuing false claims by presenting former daily workers who have never properly worked at Coupang."

Furthermore, "Coupang employees and security personnel made efforts to extinguish the initial fire and evacuate employees," and they denied the claim that a security guard from the logistics center security company 'Joeun System' ignored the fire report, calling it groundless.

They added, "Multiple employees' testimonies confirm that those on duty at the time worked to ensure the safe evacuation of employees during the fire," and "The company (Joeun System) is a specialized firm responsible for security at airports and major domestic facilities, and is considering civil and criminal actions against employees who have damaged their honor and credibility."