Baemin vs Rider Union Racing on Parallel Tracks

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Hyewon] The conflict between Woowa Brothers, the operator of 'Baedal Minjok,' and the riders' rights protection group, Rider Union, is deepening. Both sides continue to present opposing claims regarding the delivery fee system, dispatch call operation methods, and working conditions. Unable to narrow their differences, the conflict has surfaced, with the Rider Union even planning an outdoor rally in front of Woowa Brothers' headquarters.

According to the delivery industry on the 17th, the Rider Union demands Woowa Brothers introduce a safety delivery fee of over 4,000 won, improve regional discrimination, enhance the dispatch 'call' application (app) operation method, and strengthen crackdowns on illegal activities by some Baemin Connectors. Koo Gyo-hyun, planning team leader of the Rider Union, stated, "The headquarters violated the contractual obligation to notify 30 days in advance when changing the delivery fee system and notified on the 22nd of last month that the promotional delivery fee, which was added to the basic delivery fee, would be abolished as of the 1st of this month." He added, "Riders have been forced into speed competitions to compensate for income, increasing accident risks. Baemin riders working in regions face a severe delivery fee gap compared to Seoul."

According to the Rider Union, while the basic delivery fee (excluding delivery brokerage commission) in Seoul is 2,800 won, it is 2,300 won in Busan. Despite poor road conditions in Busan, the delivery fee is lower, causing high dissatisfaction among riders. The Rider Union is demanding an increase in delivery fees to a level that allows safe driving.

However, Woowa Brothers holds a different position. A Woowa Brothers representative explained, "The promotion program is a temporary 'additional benefit' unrelated to the basic delivery fee system, so it differs from the mandatory basic delivery fee." They added that the promotional delivery fee is a temporary operational policy and does not fall under the basic delivery fee system changes requiring 30 days' notice, nor does it violate contracts with riders.

Regarding the 'dispatch call,' both sides have conflicting claims. The Rider Union argues that the recent change from calls appearing in order of order or distance to suddenly displaying specific calls such as long-distance or unassigned calls at the top caused significant confusion among riders. Team leader Koo said, "For riders who must catch each call to work, the call exposure method and information have a significant impact." He also mentioned, "There is criticism on-site that the recently announced AI recommended dispatch system by Baemin is a trick to forcibly assign unassigned calls." In response, Woowa Brothers stated, "Changing the call order is an improvement measure to enhance riders' work efficiency," and explained, "The AI recommended dispatch is an automated system difficult for headquarters to intervene in, and if riders do not want to follow this system, they have the option to refuse it themselves."

Both sides also show differing stances on the fair conduct of some Baemin Connectors. On-site, it is pointed out that reports of illegal acts by Baemin Connectors, who work in a part-time capacity, receive little action. The Rider Union claims that conflicts between riders and connectors have intensified, leading to clashes. However, Woowa Brothers responded, "We take immediate action when unfair practices are detected."

Meanwhile, the Rider Union will hold its first rally this afternoon in front of Woowa Brothers' headquarters in Songpa-gu, Seoul. The Rider Union has announced plans for a lawsuit seeking damages for contract violations, responses related to Baemin's corporate merger, and activities related to the general election.