A controversy over unfair labor practices has erupted following claims that a representative from a Coupang delivery contractor made remarks threatening disadvantages for workers who joined a union. The Jeonbuk branch of the National Delivery Workers’ Union has called for a strict investigation into the representative's statements, which were interpreted as infringing on labor rights. In a recent message within the employee group chat, the representative suggested that the company would retaliate against any union-related activities, stating that understanding of union membership would result in exclusion from payment negotiations.

The union criticized the representative's comments as a clear violation of labor laws, which prohibit disadvantageous treatment of workers for their union membership or activities. They accused the contractor of applying discriminatory pricing to workers who joined the union and using threats related to commission fees to intimidate them, thereby fostering an atmosphere of fear that could lead workers to resign voluntarily. Moreover, the union highlighted ongoing structural issues such as burdens related to work-related injuries and rising fuel costs, which increasingly jeopardize the health and safety of delivery workers.

In light of these allegations, the delivery workers' union has submitted a formal complaint and urged the Ministry of Employment and Labor, along with relevant investigative bodies, to conduct a swift and thorough inquiry into the matter. The union emphasized that all Coupang subcontractors should recognize unions as partners for dialogue and negotiation rather than entities to be suppressed.