Tada Emergency Committee Chair: "Lee Jae-woong, Too Irresponsible... Must Withdraw Service Suspension"

Former Socar CEO Lee Jae-woong's Prosecutor Investigation Also Under Review

[Asia Economy Reporter Buaeri] "Tada drivers lost their jobs overnight, and former CEO Lee Jae-woong's actions are too irresponsible. The decision to suspend the Tada Basic service must be immediately withdrawn."

Kim Tae-hwan, chairman of the Tada Drivers Emergency Response Committee, made this statement in a phone interview with Asia Economy on the 17th, urging the resumption of the Tada Basic service. Earlier, Tada announced that it would suspend the Basic service starting next month on the 11th. Drivers who suddenly lost their jobs formed an emergency response committee and elected him as chairman on the 14th.

Chairman Kim said, "Although the amendment to the Passenger Transport Service Act (Passenger Act) has passed, allowing the service to operate for 1 year and 6 months, Tada announced the suspension of the service next month," expressing opposition to former Socar CEO Lee Jae-woong's decision. He also expressed dissatisfaction with the management's attitude of not consulting the drivers before deciding to suspend the Tada service. Tada drivers learned about the service suspension through the media, indicating that Tada took a 'one-sided notification' approach rather than communicating.

Chairman Kim said, "Former CEO Lee is showing an attitude of avoiding responsibility. Although he talked about coexistence and communication, the reality was different," and added, "The company shut down the business citing financial difficulties without any explanation as to why 'Tada' is running at a loss." According to the emergency committee, last week the Tada garage located in Olympic Park disappeared, and 30 to 40 Tada vehicles moved to the automobile wholesale market to be disposed of.

The emergency committee demands that Tada continue operating the Tada Basic service during the 1 year and 6 months legal grace period and participate in negotiations on the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's enforcement decree. He said, "We need to discuss with the Ministry of Land to adjust contributions and total volume controls to find a solution," adding, "The emergency committee does not believe Tada is operating at a loss to the extent that it must stop operations."

Chairman Kim also expressed skepticism about the 'new model to work in a different way' announced by Socar CEO Park Jae-wook through the driver application. He explained, "This refers to premium taxis, but most drivers currently do not have taxi licenses, and for premium services, drivers must purchase cars, which many drivers cannot afford."

The emergency committee plans to continue protests demanding accountability from former CEO Lee and CEO Park, starting with a declaration at the Democratic Labor Union office this Thursday. They also plan to establish grounds for recognition as workers through the Democratic Labor Union. Prosecutorial complaints against former CEO Lee are also under consideration. Chairman Kim added, "What the emergency committee wants is the continuous operation of Tada services. As vehicle reductions begin, Tada drivers are facing immediate difficulties in maintaining their livelihoods," and said, "We will continue to pressure former CEO Lee and CEO Park."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.