Seoul Metro Union Approves Industrial Action: "Strike Decision Based on Negotiation Outcomes"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Song Seung-yoon] The Seoul Metro Workers' Union, which operates the Seoul subway, has decided to launch a general strike if negotiations with management ultimately fail.

The Seoul Metro Workers' Union announced that from the 16th to noon on the 20th of this month, they conducted a strike action approval vote, which passed with about 80% approval among voters.

Accordingly, they plan to discuss future response methods and schedules together with the labor unions of five other urban rail systems in Busan, Daegu, Incheon, Gwangju, and Daejeon, and take joint action. The Busan Subway Union, Daegu Subway Union, and Incheon Transportation Corporation Union completed their votes the previous day, approving strike action with a majority vote.

These six unions are demanding compensation for losses caused by free rides. They argue that the chronic financial difficulties stem from free rides for the elderly and disabled, and like Korail (Korea Railroad), the government should compensate for these losses.

In the case of Seoul Metro, which has the largest deficit, management proposed a plan to reduce the workforce by 10% and freeze wages amid large-scale restructuring, while the union rejected this, calling it a "one-sided self-help measure that shifts the burden onto workers."

The six unions are expected to hold a joint press conference on the 23rd to announce their position.

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