Bus Driver Controversy Over 'Unfair Dismissal' After Letting Wife Practice Driving with Passengers Onboard

Company Takes Action to Dismiss Driver After Fact-Finding
Driver's Side Says "It Was a Common Practice... Dismissal Is Excessive"

A city bus driver in Ulsan has sparked controversy by allowing his wife to practice driving while carrying passengers. The city bus company, which discovered the incident belatedly, dismissed the driver, but the Ulsan Regional Labor Relations Commission ruled the dismissal as unfair.

According to Ulsan City and Yonhap News on the 5th, bus driver A allowed his spouse, B, to drive the bus he was operating. B, who was practicing driving a large bus, was confirmed to have driven the bus with passengers on board for about 3 to 4 stops, approximately 1 km. During this process, A instructed B on how to operate the bus and sat in the driver's seat to assist passengers in disembarking.

According to Ulsan City and Yonhap News on the 5th, city bus driver A allowed their spouse, B, to drive the bus they were operating. B, who was practicing driving a large bus, was confirmed to have driven the bus with passengers on board for about 3 to 4 stops, approximately 1 km. The photo is not related to the specific content of the article.
Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

This situation was fully recorded on the closed-circuit television (CCTV) installed inside the bus. The Ulsan city bus company C later noticed something unusual while reviewing the bus operation records. The company has no female crew members, yet a woman was seen driving the city bus.

C's video review team reported this to the company, and subsequent investigations revealed that A had allowed his wife B to drive.

C stated, "A's actions cannot be justified for any reason and pose a risk to passengers," deeming it a serious matter. Ultimately, C held a personnel committee meeting and dismissed A.

Bus Driver Claims Unfairness: "It Was a Common Practice"

Mr. B holds a large vehicle license but is reported not to have the qualifications to drive city buses, which require practical driving experience and various training. The photo is not related to the specific content of the article. [Photo by Asia Economy DB]

A expressed his grievance. He claimed, "Allowing my wife B to practice driving was wrong, but it was something we had done as a common practice, and the dismissal is excessive."

He also argued, "Since it was a circular bus, I practiced driving briefly at the bus terminus during breaks, and I asked for passengers' understanding before allowing the practice."

On the other hand, C explained that driving a large bus requires holding a large vehicle license, having at least one year of experience, and being employed as a company crew member to operate the city bus.

B holds a large vehicle license but reportedly does not have the qualifications to drive a city bus, which require practical driving experience and various training.

A filed an appeal with the Ulsan Regional Labor Relations Commission, claiming the disciplinary dismissal was unfair, and the commission ruled the dismissal as excessive and unfair.

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