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  • mhm.

  • The pandemic has driven an unprecedented boom in online business in South Korea, but that has come at a sobering cost.

  • 15 delivery workers have died so far this year.

  • Their families blame health failure caused by extreme overwork.

  • Johnson Rock works 14 hours a day without a lunch break to deliver hundreds of boxes.

  • Today, I'll additional 15 people already dead, which is very ironic because we're not working to die but to live.

  • How do you lead on the move?

  • Many delivery workers are denied safeguards and basic benefits such as minimum wage, overtime or insurance.

  • Most are classified as self employed, hired under what some refer to as Gap Jill contracts.

  • It's a legal blind spot that effects around 8% of South Korea's workforce, says Kim Tae wan, the leader of a union of 5000 careers.

  • There are many gap You'll contracts while general workers are guaranteed by employment.

  • Contract delivery workers cannot be protected because we are treated a self employed that leaves us exposed to abuse of power.

  • Labor officials say Cut throat competition adds pressure to cut delivery fees, which average is 72 cents per package.

  • Activists compiled accounts of those whose deaths have been attributed to the system.

  • Some developed breathing problems and chest pains leading to heart failure or, in at least one case, suicide.

  • Public outcry prompted apologies from big firms and acknowledgement from South Korea's labor minister, but many hold out little hope of change at a time of record unemployment.

  • Meanwhile, logistics firms are cashing in.

  • Hanjin Transportacion Sang Rocks Company posted a 35% increase in first half year operating profit.

mhm.

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