[THE INVESTOR] Coupang, the nation’s No. 1 e-commerce company, has decided to revise the controversial incentive system for its delivery workers, called Coupang Men, amid growing complaints over wage cuts, industry sources said on May 24.

In March, the company abruptly changed the wage system by applying the same incentive standards for all delivery workers nationwide. The change ended up slashing the wages of a number of Coupang Men, especially those working in provincial areas, in May. 

Related:
Disgruntled Coupang Men slam Coupang


“The company said it is turning back to the previous relative evaluation system to consider different working conditions in different areas,” a Coupang Man told The Investor on condition of anonymity.

He added the company has also decided to pay up to 300,000 won (US$266.15) to the Coupang Men who suffered wage cuts.

A Coupang spokesperson also confirmed the revision. 

Coupang was catapulted to No. 1 spot in the local e-commerce market with its signature “Rocket Delivery” service from 2014 that promised delivery within 24 hours. To make this possible, the firm hired over 3,600 Coupang Men. Sources said about 30 percent of the workers are non-regular contract-based workers

By Song Seung-hyun(ssh@heraldcorp.com)