Coupang-CJ conflict extends to parcel delivery workers

A Coupang delivery worker appears in a video clip released to target CJ Logistics' poor working conditions, Friday. Courtesy of Coupang

By Kim Jae-heun

The conflict between Coupang and CJ Group has spread to parcel delivery as the country's largest e-commerce firm criticized the poor working conditions of CJ Logistics' delivery drivers, according to company officials, Sunday. CJ Logistics is the country's largest logistics firm operated by CJ Group.

In 2020, CJ Logistics and the government came to an agreement to designate Aug. 13 or 14 as a day off for delivery workers ― so they can have two to three consecutive days of holiday including National Liberation Day on Aug. 15. Other major logistics companies such as Hanjin and Lotte Global Logistics have been taking part in this holiday system too.

However, Coupang pointed out that CJ had to create such a day off in lieu due to its uncooperative working conditions that prevent delivery workers from going on summer vacation.

“CJ designated Aug. 14 as a special day off for the delivery drivers because it adopted the wrong working system structurally. Coupang's delivery workers can go on vacation at any time of the year,” a Coupang official said.

In a video interview with a delivery worker surnamed Kim released by Coupang Logistics Service on Aug. 4, the 30-year-old worker said he used to work six days a week and take only a day off at a major logistics firm that he worked at previously for nearly a year.

“After coming to Coupang, I work only four days a week and take the other three days off. This is a surprising accomplishment in the delivery business,” Kim said.

CJ said Coupang is distorting the facts.

“We have created a special day off for our delivery workers at the expense of management because the company believes in mutual growth of logistics firms and all other interested parties in the delivery business,” a CJ Logistics official said. “If a company is recognized for its influence in the market, it would be desirable to at least respect the industry's efforts without turning a blind eye to it because it is not legally binding.”

Meanwhile, Coupang has been colliding with CJ over the supply price of its Hetbahn pre-cooked rice product since last year. The e-commerce firm also alleged that CJ has hampered medium-sized cosmetics firms from doing business with Coupang to hold its flourishing online cosmetics mall in check.