Human Rights Commission: "Ban on Bringing Mobile Phones into Coupang Logistics Center Is Unfair"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Eunmo Koo] The National Human Rights Commission of Korea (NHRCK) has decided to express the opinion that Coupang's measure to ban the carrying of mobile phones inside logistics center workplaces is unfair.

According to the NHRCK on the 14th, the Discrimination Remedy Committee, which met the day before, discussed the agenda of 'banning mobile phones inside Coupang workplaces' and resolved to express this opinion.

After conducting on-site investigations at logistics centers, the NHRCK judged that the guideline completely banning mobile phones in logistics center workplaces violates the principle of proportionality and infringes on the freedom of communication. They decided to convey an opinion to Coupang urging them to revise the related guidelines.

However, the NHRCK dismissed the complaint, stating that the case does not fall under the committee's investigation as the comparison targets are not identical. This complaint was filed last September by the Coupang Logistics Center Labor Union, claiming that "Coupang's policy banning mobile phones inside logistics centers seriously undermines workers' human rights and their right to work safely."

Earlier, after the complaint was filed, Coupang explained, "Bringing mobile phones into the logistics center is allowed, but for safety reasons, carrying mobile phones inside the worksite is restricted," adding, "Logistics center workers store their mobile phones in personal lockers and can freely use them during breaks such as lunchtime."