Korean taxi service at installations sees 'slow-down'

By Mr. David Mcnally (RDECOM)April 23, 2008

Korean taxi drivers start 'slow-down'
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

YONGSAN GARRISON, Republic of Korea -- Yongsan taxi drivers will not answer radio calls during peak hours during a labor dispute that started April 22.

The Army and Air Force Exchange Service has a contract with Arirang World Cup Taxi Ltd. to provide on-call and pick-up taxi services in Areas I and II.

"The driver's plan is not answer the radio from 6-9 a.m. and 4-7 p.m.," said AAFES Services Business Manager Kim Ae-kyong.

The wage dispute is between the contract owner and the drivers.

Arirang drivers went on a full strike for two weeks in July 2006. Since then, AAFES has contracted with another company to provide additional taxi service. However, that company does not take radio calls.

USAG-Yongsan officials are monitoring the situation and have increased post shuttle service 3-5:30 p.m. to every 15 minutes instead of every 30 minutes, said Garrison Logistics Director Lydia Grohmann.

"We also increased Hannam Village service by adding an additional shuttle bus at 4 p.m. and 5:15 p.m.," she said. "Starting April 24, we will offer another Hannam Village shuttle bus at 7:30 a.m."

Grohmann said this is a temporary measure to look out for the community during the taxi labor dispute.

Related Links:

U.S. Army Garrison-Yongsan Official Site