"Riders and Couriers, Have a Drink of Water"... Yeongdeungpo District Expands Bottled Water Support Program for Mobile Workers

Expanding Rest Areas for Mobile Workers
Offering Legal and Tax Consultations

Yeongdeungpo District in Seoul (District Mayor Choi Hokwon) is expanding its 'bottled water support program' for mobile workers vulnerable to the stifling summer heat. This initiative is designed to protect the health and right to rest of mobile workers such as delivery riders, courier drivers, and meter readers who work outdoors for extended periods.

Arisu vending machine in front of the Yeongdeungpo District mobile worker shelter. Provided by Yeongdeungpo District.

Until now, the district has provided bottled water donated by various organizations in a refrigerator placed inside the Mobile Workers' Rest Area on the first floor of the Yeongdeungpo Workers' Comprehensive Support Center. In addition, on July 28, the district expanded its support by installing a bottled water vending machine?supplied by the Seoul Arisu Headquarters?outside the rest area. At the beginning of next month, the district also plans to operate a vending machine that provides cold bottled water to mobile workers outside the Yeongdeungpo Times Square Culture Lounge, a location with high foot traffic.

The bottled water is donated by KORAIL Distribution and the Seoul Arisu Headquarters. Vending machines will be installed in clearly visible locations so that workers can easily access the water. Freezers will also be operated to keep the water cold for longer periods. In addition, workers participating in the Donghaeng Iljari job program will be stationed at these locations to help manage the facilities.

Through the Mobile Workers' Rest Area, Yeongdeungpo District also provides a variety of programs beyond water, including rest spaces, light refreshments, labor law consultations, tax consultations, and safety education. The cumulative number of users in the first half of this year alone reached 9,451, demonstrating a strong positive response.

Choi Hokwon, Mayor of Yeongdeungpo District, stated, "A single bottle of water can be a great comfort to mobile workers who work tirelessly in the heatwave," adding, "We will continue to implement policies to protect the rights and interests of mobile workers and to create a safe working environment."