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Baemin riders operator agrees to improve working conditions

Published: 22 Oct. 2020, 18:57

Woowahan Youths CEO Kim Byoung-woo, third from left in the front row, and representatives from the Korean Federation of Service Worker's Union pose for a photo after signing a collective bargaining agreement in Seocho District, southern Seoul on Thursday. [WOOWAHAN YOUTHS]

Woowahan Youths and the Korean Federation of Service Worker's Union have signed a collective bargaining agreement, the company announced Thursday.

According to Woowahan Youths, a subsidiary of Woowa Brothers and the operator of its delivery drivers, known as Baemin riders, the agreement aims to boost the rights and working conditions of delivery workers.

The two sides achieved a tentative agreement on Oct. 20, two days before they met for a vote. The voter turnout stood at 77.1 percent with approval from 97.6 percent of voters.

Under the agreement, Woowahan Youths agreed to exempt delivery riders from paying commission fees. Until recently, delivery riders who are assigned orders from Baemin had to pay commission fees, normally between 200 won to 300 won ($0.18 to $0.26) per order.

There are currently about 3,000 Baemin riders.

Woowahan Youths also agreed to strengthen working conditions for delivery workers. The company will pay for regular health check-ups, as well as covering additional expenses during vacations.

In addition, Woowahan Youths will strengthen its safety devices for delivery workers. Riders will be able to receive safety training regularly and in the case of inclement weather, they will be allowed to stop deliveries.

“We hope this agreement can bring positive effects to the industry as we have participated in it with full responsibility that our company has been a leader in the industry,” said Kim Byoung-woo, CEO of Woowahan Youths. “We will take good care of our delivery riders as they are our partners in the industry.”

BY CHEA SARAH [[email protected]]