Delivery workers hold a rally in Seoul demanding better conditions as they face overwork ahead the busy Lunar New Year holiday. (Photo: Yonhap News)
Unionized delivery workers are threatening to go on strike unless measures are taken to prevent their overwork before the Lunar New Year holiday.
The national union of delivery workers held a press conference Friday demanding an increase in the number of workers assigned to sorting parcels, halting nighttime deliveries and "normalizing" delivery fees.
One member said, "Unless the social consultative body arrives at an agreement and immediately implements it before the Lunar New Year, we will have no choice but to launch a general strike."
A delivery surge is expected around the holiday period that begins on February 11, compounded by increased online shopping amid the coronavirus pandemic.
For months, couriers have complained about unbearable workloads.
According to industry representatives, 19 delivery workers died last year, apparently from overwork.
A consultative body comprised of members of the industry, logistics firms, consumer groups, the government, the National Assembly and experts is expected to address the couriers' complaints.
The union said it will wait for the panel's announcement on Tuesday and then ask its members to vote on a potential strike that could involve some 5,500 of its members.
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