Private couriers announce negotiations under the Yellow Envelope Law... Postal delivery remains silent
Private courier companies, following the Yellow Envelope Law, have announced their willingness to negotiate with subcontracted labor unions, while the state-run postal service remains unresponsive.
In a significant development following the implementation of the Yellow Envelope Law in South Korea, major private courier companies including Coupang Logistics Service (CLS), CJ Logistics, Lotte Global Logistics, and others are publicly declaring their intentions to negotiate with subcontracted labor unions. The announcement follows a ruling by the Seoul High Court requiring CJ Logistics to engage in collective bargaining with the courier unions, underlining the growing recognition of workers' rights within the delivery sector. As a consequence, all major private courier companies have shown their willingness to enter discussions, reflecting a shift in labor relations within the industry.
However, the state-run Korea Post has remained silent on this matter, raising eyebrows among union leaders and workers. The Korean Federation of Trade Unions (KFTU) has pointed out that Korea Post's inaction contrasts sharply with the pro-active stance of its private counterparts. Korea Post has claimed that its responsibility regarding collective bargaining is ambiguous and is currently questioning its status as an employer with the Ministry of Employment and Labor, which further complicates the situation. This hesitation from the government agency is viewed by the labor union as an attempt to delay engagement with workers, despite their claims of authority over delivery workers' compensation.
Union leaders are pressing for immediate action from Korea Post to join in on the negotiations, highlighting a perceived inconsistency in the government agency's approach when compared to private firms who have committed to negotiating with labor unions. As labor movements grow stronger in South Korea, the outcome of these negotiations, especially involving state-run entities, will be critical in shaping future labor laws and workplace standards across the sector.