Three Delivery Workers Die from Heat-Related Illnesses in July... "Companies Must Take Action"

Korea Federation of Trade Unions Parcel Delivery Industry Headquarters
"Stop Seven-Day Delivery Services Without Additional Manpower"

On the afternoon of the 9th, when the heatwave with daytime temperatures exceeding 36 degrees Celsius continued, Seunggon Son (43) was seen climbing onto a delivery truck to sort packages at an apartment complex in Gwangsan District, Gwangju. Photo by Chanki Min

As it was revealed that three delivery workers died within a week due to suspected heat-related illnesses, the labor union called on delivery companies to take responsible measures.

The Korea Federation of Trade Unions Parcel Delivery Industry Headquarters issued a press release on the 10th, stating, "At the beginning of this month, three delivery workers affiliated with CJ Logistics died while working in a heatwave with temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius. Delivery workers, who work outdoors for long hours, are fully exposed to heat-related illnesses caused by the heatwave," and added, "Delivery workers are forced to work hard in harsh conditions where proper cooling equipment is not provided, and even drinking water and rest facilities are not adequately available."

On July 4, 7, and 8, delivery workers died of heat-related illnesses at CJ Logistics branches in Incheon Nam, Gangnam, and Pocheon. The union claims, "Delivery companies, who have a duty to create safe working environments for delivery workers, are evading responsibility by forcing delivery workers to prevent heat-related illnesses on their own, without taking any appropriate or concrete measures."

The organization stated, "The cause of these fatal accidents is clear. Some delivery companies, including CJ Logistics, have expanded nationwide seven-day-a-week delivery services without assigning even a single additional worker, and have not completely excluded delivery workers from sorting tasks," and added, "The union has strongly insisted to the delivery companies that 'seven-day delivery without additional manpower is a path that leads to the deaths of delivery workers.' However, the delivery companies have ignored the union's desperate pleas."

In addition, the union urged, "To prevent any further accidents caused by heatwaves or overwork, we call on delivery companies to take responsible measures, including: the complete exclusion of delivery workers from sorting tasks; the immediate suspension of seven-day delivery services without additional manpower; and the faithful implementation of the social agreement to prevent delivery worker deaths from overwork."