Shipper News
Who Protects Technology Drivers and Shippers?
The recent incident in Hanoi, where a shipper was brutally assaulted by a Lexus driver, highlights the myriad risks faced by individuals in the delivery sector. Confronted with numerous hazards, strenuous work, and job instability, several provinces nationwide have begun establishing representative organizations aiming to safeguard the rights of technology drivers.
Multiple Risks, Shippers Left to Fend for Themselves
As a crucial link in the digital economy, especially during the e-commerce boom, the relationship between technology drivers and companies remains tenuous. Delivery firms often recruit drivers as partners or collaborators. Compensation is typically calculated per order, ranging from 4,000 to 5,000 VND per delivery, depending on the region.
Mr. H., a shipper working for a delivery company in Ho Chi Minh City for three years, shares: “Throughout this period, aside from the company uniform, I haven’t had labor insurance. It’s purely commission-based; at the end of the day, we settle accounts. If customers haven’t transferred payments, I have to advance the money and collect later. The competition is fierce; those familiar with the routes and delivering in densely populated areas save on fuel and phone expenses, allowing for a modest profit.”
He adds that when encountering issues on the road or dealing with customers who refuse or delay payments, he has to cover the shortfall out of his own pocket.
Drivers note that apps implement a star-rating system. After completing a trip, customers can provide feedback, file complaints, and rate the service. Based on the star rating and each company’s internal policies, drivers may face reprimands or even fines.
Mr. Lê Văn Đại, Vice Chairman of the Da Nang Labor Federation, points out that the current relationship between drivers and e-commerce delivery companies is based on profit-sharing agreements via apps. Thus, there’s no formal labor contract, and drivers aren’t entitled to mandatory social insurance. Consequently, when incidents occur, their labor rights aren’t protected.
He emphasizes that, following several distressing cases of technology drivers being assaulted, workers are only protected under civil rights. The apps aren’t bound by obligations and, therefore, bear no responsibility toward the workers. In the long term, he advocates for legal provisions to protect app-based workers. Such regulations could oversee operational models, profit-sharing ratios, and set standards to safeguard workers’ income. Notably, mandatory social insurance could be instituted in certain cases to ensure rights are upheld.
“In the immediate future, we’re establishing unions like the Shippers’ Union and Fast Food Delivery Union. The union’s executive committee will collaborate to protect rights and provide legal support in unfortunate situations,” Mr. Đại states.
The Need for Technology Driver Unions
In Da Nang, the Grab Technology Drivers’ Union was established in mid-2024. Recently, it gained widespread attention when representatives visited the family of Trần Thành, a shipper who was fatally beaten over an online order in Hòa Phước commune, Hòa Vang district, on January 17.
Ms. Võ Thị Thu Sương, President of the Grab Technology Drivers’ Union in Da Nang, stated that approximately 300 to 400 members have registered with the union, while the city hosts tens of thousands of technology drivers. Due to the nature and pressures of the job, this large workforce often faces significant risks. Beyond deliveries, drivers also handle cash collection and order processing, putting them in frequent direct interactions with customers—an aspect that exposes them to even greater risks.
“In the case of Trần Thành’s assault in Hòa Phước, even though he wasn’t a union member, we raised funds and, along with benefactors, organizations, and union members from Ho Chi Minh City, visited and provided financial support to his family,” Ms. Sương shared.
She added that the Grab Technology Drivers’ Union operates under the Da Nang Labor Federation. Previously, technology drivers lacked formal protection, leading to numerous disadvantages when incidents occurred. Since the union’s formation, it has played a vital role in voicing concerns and advocating for specific policies to protect drivers through the labor federation.
“Before the union, drivers had no real protection. If orders were canceled, companies wouldn’t provide support, and drivers had to absorb the losses themselves. But now, with the union, we feel more secure. We’ve had direct meetings with Grab representatives to discuss issues, leading to policy adjustments and greater acknowledgment of our concerns,” Ms. Sương noted.
She further explained that one major achievement was pushing for easier access to accident insurance. Previously, obtaining insurance coverage was extremely difficult, but after multiple union discussions, the process has become much simpler. Approximately 40% of their proposals have been successfully implemented.
Additionally, Grab’s local representatives are subject to government oversight. Ms. Sương emphasized that if a technology company refuses to address legitimate worker concerns, the union will escalate the issue to authorities for intervention.
Expanding Union Protection to More Provinces
Mr. Nguyễn Phúc Nhân, President of the Quảng Ngãi Labor Federation, acknowledged that recent violent incidents involving shippers have resulted in severe injuries or even death. However, when such incidents occur, the provincial labor federation often struggles to provide timely support due to delayed reporting.
“The question of who truly protects these workers has become increasingly urgent. We are currently discussing ways to connect with this workforce. As this profession continues to grow, it is essential to safeguard not only their physical safety but also their rights within the companies they work for,” Mr. Nhân stated.
The Quảng Ngãi Labor Federation is now planning to establish local labor unions for gig workers such as shippers and technology drivers. The goal is to create an organized system that can step in to protect these workers’ rights when work-related issues or violent incidents arise.
“We are focusing on recruiting members from the informal workforce to ensure greater legal protection in case of work-related risks. This includes addressing concerns such as salaries, bonuses, insurance coverage, and overall job security,” Mr. Nhân added.
A Long Road Ahead for Gig Worker Protection
While the formation of technology driver unions marks a crucial step in advocating for workers’ rights, challenges remain. Gig workers still lack formal employment contracts, leaving them without access to essential benefits such as social insurance, paid leave, or health coverage.
As the gig economy continues to expand, experts stress that stronger regulations and clearer legal protections will be critical in ensuring long-term stability for these workers. Without systematic labor protections, technology drivers will continue to face economic instability, work-related risks, and vulnerability to violent incidents—a reality that demands urgent intervention from both labor authorities and delivery companies.