Labor Ministry forms task force to probe allegations against Coupang

(Yonhap)

South Korea’s Ministry of Employment and Labor has launched a dedicated task force (TF) to investigate labor- and industrial-safety-related allegations raised against Coupang Inc., the country‘s top e-commerce platform.

According to the ministry on Tuesday, the team, headed by a vice minister, was formed on Monday.

Regional offices under the ministry have also formed a joint labor and industrial safety investigation and supervision TF comprising 32 labor inspectors from local offices. They have commenced their investigative and supervisory activities, the ministry said.

Authorities plan to conduct intensive probes into various labor-related legal issues raised during previous National Assembly hearings.

These include allegations of illegal dispatch involving work instructions given by Coupang Logistics Services (CLS) to employees at Coupang headquarters, the operation of a low-performance employee dismissal program, and the alleged coercion of workers into receiving severance pay through Individual Retirement Pension (IRP) accounts.

Regarding allegations of concealing industrial accidents and obstructing investigations, authorities have launched a criminal investigation following a complaint filed on December 29.

They will examine whether industrial accidents were hidden through preliminary data analysis and other measures, and will conduct a comprehensive oversight of the company’s compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Act.

They also plan to conduct compulsory investigations, if necessary, the ministry said.

The policy is to take strict measures if allegations of systematic concealment of industrial accidents and illegal dispatch practices are confirmed.

Separately, on-site inspections have been under way since December 10 at three Coupang logistics centers and four delivery camps where worker fatalities occurred last year.

Based on the inspection results, the ministry plans to take effective measures at sites where workers’ safety and health are deemed to be at risk.

“Through thorough and comprehensive investigations and supervision, we will clearly uncover the truth behind these allegations and take action without leniency if violations are confirmed,” said Labor Minister Kim Young-hoon.