Coupang to introduce biweekly 5-day workweek, mandatory leave

[Photo by Yonhap]

Coupang Logistics Services (CLS) announced on Tuesday that it plans to introduce a biweekly 5-day workweek and a mandatory leave system for delivery drivers affiliated with subcontracted companies, starting next year. This program marks the first of its kind in the parcel delivery industry in South Korea.

Currently, most delivery drivers affiliated with small subcontracted companies, rather than being directly employed by major courier firms like CLS or CJ Logistics, work six days a week. CLS reported that around 30 to 40 percent of these subcontracted delivery drivers are already delivering five days a week or less, and the company plans to expand this practice starting next year.

Under the new system, night shift delivery drivers will be able to work only five days every other week, effectively reducing their workload from the industry-standard six-day workweek. This initiative aims to significantly reduce the workload for night shift drivers by breaking away from the traditional six-day workweek.

In addition, CLS plans to implement a mandatory leave system for day shift delivery drivers, who can work up to six days a week. Under this system, drivers will be required to take at least two days off during a week, at least once every six months, ensuring a 5-day workweek for at least two weeks per year.