The Coupang Friends Labor Union Responds to Korean Confederation of Trade Unions’ Actions
The Coupang Friends Labor Union, representing directly employed delivery drivers for Coupang, has raised concerns about the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions’ (KCTU) recent push to ban early-morning deliveries. On the 7th, the union issued a statement accusing KCTU of retaliating against its decision to leave the organization two years ago. According to the union, the proposed ban is not about protecting workers but rather an act of retaliation.
The Coupang Labor Union officially withdrew from the KCTU in November of last year after 93% of its members voted in favor of the move. At the time, the union stated that it could no longer tolerate pressure to engage in political activities. It also claimed that frequent demands for participation in various union activities and the need to pay union dues were infringing on its members’ interests.
In its latest statement, the Coupang Labor Union criticized the KCTU’s position on early-morning deliveries. The union argued, “The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions claims that banning early-morning deliveries is essential for workers, but it never made such an argument when the Coupang Labor Union was part of the federation. It is absurd for a labor union to advocate for policies that would take away jobs from its members.”
The union called on the government to ensure its participation in social dialogue mechanisms. According to industry sources, Kim Seul-gi, representative of the ‘Non-Union Parcel Delivery Alliance,’ which includes over 6,000 parcel delivery drivers, was expelled from a social dialogue meeting on the 5th. The Coupang Labor Union reported that opposition from the KCTU may have played a role in this decision.
The union added, “Discussions are proceeding without the participation of the Coupang Labor Union and the National Non-Union Parcel Delivery Alliance, even though the issue directly concerns the livelihoods of delivery drivers.” This exclusion has raised concerns among union representatives who believe that their voices are being ignored in important policy discussions.
Key Points from the Coupang Labor Union’s Statement
- The Coupang Friends Labor Union has accused the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions of acting out of retaliation after leaving the federation.
- The union withdrew from KCTU in November of last year due to pressure to engage in political activities and frequent demands for union dues.
- The union criticized KCTU for advocating a ban on early-morning deliveries, arguing that it would negatively impact workers’ jobs.
- The Coupang Labor Union urged the government to include them in social dialogue mechanisms.
- A representative from the Non-Union Parcel Delivery Alliance was reportedly excluded from a recent meeting, raising concerns about the exclusion of non-KCTU affiliated groups.
