The Coupang Logistics Center Site Is Like a Wet Sauna... Experiencing Heat-Related Illnesses

Coupang Union to Strike for One Day on August 1
"Compliance Struggle Following Heatwave Guidelines"

Jeong Dongheon, head of the Dongtan branch of the Coupang Logistics Center branch of the National Logistics Center branch of the Public Transport Workers' Union, pointed out that as the heatwave continues, the health of workers working at logistics centers is being threatened, saying, "The Ministry of Employment and Labor's heatwave guidelines are only recommendations and are not actually being applied in the field."

In an interview with MBC Radio's 'Kim Jong-bae's Focus' on the 31st, Jeong said that the Ministry of Labor's guidelines advise giving 10 to 15 minutes of rest per hour when the perceived temperature is above 33 degrees Celsius, but in the field, this is hardly observed.

Minister of Employment and Labor Lee Jeong-sik is inspecting the implementation of heat illness prevention guidelines during his visit to the Coupang Dongtan Logistics Center in Hwaseong-si, Gyeonggi Province on the 30th. / Provided by the Ministry of Employment and Labor. [Image source=Yonhap News]

He explained, "The management says that cooling devices or air conditioners are installed, but most of them are just fans or air circulators. You can consider that there is no air conditioning in the field," adding, "(Even with air conditioners) only a part is installed, so the actual temperature in the field does not feel lowered."

He continued, "Even if cooling facilities are installed, the logistics center is very large, so whether the entire area can be covered is also an issue," and pointed out, "Because the actual temperature is high, the air coming out from there is also very hot air, and the cooling devices are not operating properly."

Jeong described the working environment at the logistics center as "It feels like entering a wet sauna. Summer is very tough," and said, "First of all, having an upset stomach is basic, sometimes I feel dizzy and lethargic. These are chronic symptoms of heat-related illnesses, and I think there are many people like me."

He added, "We will carry out a strike for one day tomorrow," and "After that, we are preparing to conduct a lawful struggle to comply with the heatwave guidelines at the site."