Seoul Water Reuse Facility Corporation Union Strike... "Emergency Operation Measures Implemented, Facility Operating Normally"

Despite 13 Collective Bargaining Sessions, Final Negotiations Fail

Seoul Water Reclamation Facilities Corporation

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] The Seoul Water Reclamation Facility Corporation announced on the 18th that the sewage treatment facilities under its management will operate normally despite the union strike.

The Seoul Water Reclamation Corporation union notified a strike on the day despite prolonged collective bargaining between labor and management. The labor and management reached a consensus on narrowing the wage increase gap through 13 rounds of collective bargaining since April this year but failed to finalize the agreement in the final negotiations.

The union demanded wage compensation for the decrease caused by the transition from a private consignment company to the corporation and a wage increase to the average level of environmental corporations operating similar facilities in other cities and provinces.

In response, the management stated, "We accepted most of the demands presented by the union, but due to the sudden change in the union’s position and unreasonable demands beyond the initial proposal, the negotiations could not be concluded," adding, "Negotiations were halted due to the union’s unilateral declaration of breakdown, and the union proceeded with collective action based on the labor dispute rights secured at the Local Labor Relations Commission mediation meeting."

The Water Reclamation Corporation plans to minimize the impact of the union strike by operating the facilities normally and maintaining the same level of operation as usual according to the emergency operation plan. Since the 5th, the management has voluntarily conducted work training and on-site inspections, and will carry out daily facility inspections until the strike ends. Additionally, on the 18th, when the strike was notified, an emergency inspection was conducted to preemptively identify any abnormal signs, and the corporation plans to operate the water reclamation facilities stably during any unexpected situations arising during the strike period.

The Water Reclamation Corporation will establish a close cooperative system with the Seoul Metropolitan Government, including operating a linked control room and establishing an emergency contact system, to respond immediately to any facility abnormalities and ensure normal operation. Furthermore, strict measures will be taken against unfair dispute activities by union members participating in the strike, and they will be held accountable.

The Water Reclamation Corporation stated, "Taking this strike as an opportunity, we will comprehensively diagnose and maintain personnel and facility management status, promote facility automation and operational specialization, and thoroughly prepare to ensure no disruption in operations even in emergency situations in the future."

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