Seoul Metro Labor-Management Negotiations Stalled... Essential Work Agreement for Subway Strike Preparedness

Seoul Metro announced on the 5th that it has signed an essential service agreement in preparation for a strike on subway lines 1 to 8. The corporation and the labor union are currently experiencing difficulties in the 2023 wage and collective bargaining process.

Reporter Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

The corporation and the joint bargaining group of the corporation's two labor unions (hereinafter referred to as the Joint Bargaining Group) have held a total of 10 negotiation sessions since the first main negotiation on July 11 this year. However, the two sides failed to narrow their differences over management innovation and the reinforcement of on-site safety personnel, ultimately leading to a breakdown in negotiations.

The Joint Bargaining Group plans to hold a strike authorization vote from the 12th to the 16th of this month and proceed with a general strike in November. However, the Seoul Metro Correct Labor Union, which is not part of the Joint Bargaining Group, is expected not to participate in the strike.

In response, the corporation signed a practical essential service agreement with the Joint Bargaining Group on the 25th of last month in preparation for the general strike. The agreement mainly allows employees to return to work within necessary limits even during a strike in the event of natural disasters or social disasters such as fine dust. The corporation also plans to implement emergency transportation measures by sector to minimize inconvenience to citizens.

Furthermore, the corporation is considering resuming negotiations with the Joint Bargaining Group.

Baekho, President of Seoul Metro, said, "For sustainable management of the corporation, close communication and a willingness to compromise are urgently needed rather than confrontation and struggle between labor and management," adding, "I hope that labor and management will unite to successfully conclude this year's wage and collective bargaining, fulfilling the responsibilities of a public institution."

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