Union accuses Coupang Inc of prioritizing delivery over worker safety after Incheon warehouse fire

A union representing workers at Coupang Inc's Incheon logistics center criticized the company Sunday, saying it was "obsessed with delivery rather than worker safety" in the wake of a major fire at the facility.

The Coupang Logistics Center branch of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions' public transport workers' union issued a statement condemning both the warehouse's structure and the company's on-site response to the blaze.

The union claimed the sixth floor where the fire broke out features a mezzanine structure — the same type that drew scrutiny during the deadly 2021 Coupang Deokpyeong logistics center fire. "It is well known that mezzanine structures are vulnerable to fire and illegal under building codes when used as workspaces, yet Coupang has actively used them to cut costs," the union said. Mezzanine structures are multi-level configurations valued for their efficient use of space.

The union also said the company's post-fire response was problematic, raising its voice over reports that workers at the affected warehouse received no protection and were instead notified late Saturday afternoon to report to a nearby logistics center to avoid disrupting Rocket Delivery service. "We cannot contain our outrage at Coupang's response, which shows it is obsessed with Rocket Delivery rather than worker safety," the union said.

The union also urged the government to draw up measures to prevent a recurrence, saying "a thorough diagnosis of the cause and countermeasures must be put in place."

The fire broke out at around 7 a.m. Saturday at Coupang Inc's logistics center in Seohaegu, Incheon, and had not been brought under control as of Sunday. No casualties have been reported, though two firefighters were taken to hospital for smoke inhalation and fatigue sustained while battling the blaze.