'Strike D-1' Final Negotiations Between Seoul Subway Labor and Management... No Change in Position from Government and Seoul City

Union demands withdrawal of restructuring involving 10% of all employees... Seoul City to activate emergency transport measures from 9 AM on the 14th
Commute hours to operate at normal levels

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] The labor and management of Seoul Metro have entered final negotiations one day before the planned strike.

On the 13th, the union began the final negotiations at 3 p.m. at the headquarters in Seongdong-gu. The union announced that if the government and Seoul city proceed with restructuring involving 10% of the total workforce, they will start a strike from the 14th. The union stated, "If the management maintains its current position, the internal policy is not to engage in prolonged negotiations."

The union has already completed the preliminary procedures for a general strike. Last month, the union held a vote approving the strike and announced on the 23rd that if demands such as the withdrawal of restructuring are not accepted, they plan to strike starting on the 14th. Since the announcement of the strike plan, two rounds of negotiations have taken place but failed to narrow the gap in positions.

The government and Seoul city have shown no significant movement. Seoul city’s stance is that it cannot provide support unless Seoul Metro prepares a self-rescue plan at a level that is acceptable. Mayor Oh Se-hoon attended a previous Cabinet meeting and urged the government to take responsibility for costs such as free transportation for the elderly and disabled, calling for a government solution.

Meanwhile, Seoul city plans to activate an emergency transportation plan in preparation for the union’s strike. To minimize inconvenience to citizens, Seoul city will form an Emergency Transportation Countermeasures Headquarters and begin operations from 9 a.m. on the 14th. The headquarters will maintain close cooperation with related organizations such as Seoul Metro, Korail, bus companies, and the police until the strike ends, and will implement emergency transportation measures according to the strike situation.

Seoul city plans to operate the subway at normal levels during commuting hours even if the Seoul Metro union goes on strike, and run the subway at 72.6% to 79.8% of normal service during off-peak hours when congestion is lower. Additionally, essential maintenance personnel, retirees, and subcontractor employees will be secured as substitute workers to maintain subway transportation functions. About 150 Seoul city employees will be assigned as station support staff to minimize inconvenience to citizens, with all efforts focused on reducing disruption.

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