Labor ministry introduces standard contract for mart delivery drivers

The labor ministry on Wednesday announced the creation of a standard contract template designed to ensure fair trading practices for mart delivery drivers, addressing issues where unclear work scopes and one-sided agreements have disadvantaged service providers.

Unlike parcel or freight services, which already utilize standard forms, mart delivery operations had operated without a unified contract. To address this gap, the ministry conducted 13 rounds of consultations with drivers, transport companies, and large supermarket operators.

Minister Kim Young-hoon stated that the newly prepared standard contract represents a first step toward guaranteeing the fundamental right to a fair agreement. He added that once the Basic Rights of Working People Act is enacted, the government expects fair contracting practices to expand further through written agreements and support for on-site dispute mediation.

The finalized document defines the scope of entrusted tasks, regulates commission payments, prohibits unfair trade practices, and mandates social insurance enrollment. It specifically limits order volumes for heavy items by category and exempts drivers from substitution costs when unable to perform assigned duties.

This initiative brings the total number of occupations covered by such government-backed templates to 30, joining existing groups like courier staff and broadcasting crew members. The ministry plans to distribute a comprehensive usage guide alongside the contract to support its adoption in the field.

The full text of the contract and the guide are available on the websites of the Ministry of Employment and Labor, the Korea Labor Foundation, and the Worker Connection Center.