Notices

▲ A supermarket worker stocking products on shelves. File photo by Jung Ki-hoon

The Ministry of Employment and Labor has introduced, for the first time, a standard contract aimed at preventing unfair contractual practices between supermarket delivery drivers and transportation companies. The contract reflects demands raised by delivery drivers, including a clear distinction between primary and ancillary duties, standards for the delivery of heavy goods, and exemption from the cost of substitute vehicles in the event of accidents or disasters. Labor representatives welcomed the measure, saying it establishes at least a minimum framework for discussing the working conditions of supermarket delivery drivers.

The Ministry announced on August 26 that it had prepared a “Standard Contract and Guidelines for Supermarket Delivery Services.” To develop the standard contract, the Ministry held 13 rounds of consultations beginning late last year with supermarket delivery drivers, transportation companies, and major supermarket operators. Unlike parcel delivery drivers and other delivery workers, supermarket delivery drivers previously had no separate standard contract, leading to continuing disputes over the scope of their duties and responsibility for various costs. They are also not covered by the Act on the Development of the Lifestyle Logistics Services Industry, leaving them in a blind spot in terms of labor protection.

Supermarket delivery drivers have long demanded a clearer distinction between delivery work and other duties. Before delivering products, drivers have also been required to repackage goods or rearrange them according to their delivery routes. The new standard contract requires outsourced duties to be divided into primary duties, such as product delivery, and ancillary duties. As an example of ancillary work, it expressly identifies “repackaging products that have already been picked for delivery.” The section on service fees also allows a separate fee to be agreed upon for ancillary duties. In effect, this provides a basis for negotiating both the scope of non-delivery work and the compensation payable for such work.

The issue of delivering heavy goods was also addressed. Until now, some supermarkets have imposed their own limits on order quantities for bottled water or rice, but no separate standards existed for other heavy products. When large orders were placed, drivers were generally required to deliver them as they were. The standard contract allows order-quantity limits to be established not only for bottled water and rice, but also for beverages, detergents, toilet paper, and “other items separately designated by the consignor.”

The contract also addresses the financial burden imposed on drivers when accidents or disasters occur. Previously, even when deliveries became difficult because of heavy rain or snow, or when drivers were unable to work because of traffic accidents or occupational injuries, they were often required to secure substitute vehicles at their own expense. Under the standard contract, where performance becomes difficult because of a natural disaster or another reason not attributable to the driver, the consignor and contractor may consult with each other to secure substitute personnel, while the driver may be exempted from bearing additional costs.

Choi Dae-young, Secretary-General of the Online Delivery Branch of the Mart Workers’ Union, said, “This is meaningful because it provides supermarket delivery drivers, who previously had few protective measures, with a basis for negotiating with principal companies over working conditions and occupational safety.” He added, “However, because the standard contract is not legally binding, it will need to be continuously improved going forward.”

By Eom Jae-hee Published: August 27, 2026, 6:30 a.m. eom@labortoday.co.kr

Maeil Labor News, August 27, 2026