Will a General Bus Strike Become Reality in Gyeonggi? Bus Union Announces Full-Scale Strike on October 1

Gyeonggi Province Prepares Emergency Transportation Measures Ahead of City and Intercity Bus Strike
Up to 80% of City and Intercity Buses at Risk of Stopping... Charter Buses and Extended Subway Operations Planned
Strike to Begin with First Buses on October 1 if Labor Talks Fail... Alternative Transportation Arrangements Underway
Emergency Transportation Headquarters Established, Extended Train Operations, and Concentrated Taxi Dispatches in Place

Gyeonggi Province has decided to enter an emergency work system as city and intercity bus unions have announced a general strike starting with the first buses on October 1, if final negotiations break down on September 30.

Gyeonggi Provincial Government Building. Provided by Gyeonggi Province

According to Gyeonggi Province on September 29, the union is currently demanding, under the public management system, a wage increase to the level of Seoul, including base pay. Under the private management system, they are opposing the extension of the flexible work system and demanding a switch to a two-shift system per day, as well as a wage increase to address the wage gap with the public management system. However, the company side has stated that it is difficult to accept these demands.

The union has announced that if the final mediation meeting at the Gyeonggi Regional Labor Relations Commission fails on September 30, a full-scale strike will begin with the first buses on October 1, involving union members from 50 city and intercity bus companies. Gyeonggi Province estimates that about 8,437 out of a total of 10,575 city and intercity buses (80%) will participate in the strike.

The province has stated that it will do its utmost to persuade both labor and management representatives until the mediation deadline at the Gyeonggi Regional Labor Relations Commission, and will actively mediate between labor and management to reach an agreement right up to the start of the strike. However, in preparation for the possibility that the strike does occur, the province will establish a cooperative system with relevant organizations such as city and county governments and the Gyeonggi Bus Transportation Business Association. It will also set up an Emergency Transportation Countermeasures Headquarters, led by the province, to operate a 24-hour emergency work system.

During the strike, 234 key locations with high bus demand, such as major subway stations in each city and county, will be designated as main boarding hubs. A total of 381 chartered and official buses will be deployed to connect these hubs and provide alternative transportation for commuters. At the same time, the operation hours of village buses will be extended, non-striking city bus routes will be utilized, taxi dispatches will be concentrated, and the operating hours of metropolitan and light rail trains will be extended to minimize inconvenience for residents.

In addition, to prepare for traffic congestion in key areas with heavy commuting, the province is coordinating with the National Police Agency to deploy traffic police and manage traffic.

To minimize the impact of the strike, the province will also conduct public outreach for residents. Strike updates will be quickly disseminated through the Gyeonggi Bus Information System, the province and city/county websites and social media, G-Bus TV, and notices at bus stops. Guidance on using alternative transportation such as trains will also be provided.

Kim Kwangdeok, Director of the Gyeonggi Province Transportation Bureau, said, "We are doing our best to prevent the strike through smooth mediation and agreement between labor and management. Nevertheless, if the strike becomes a reality, we will thoroughly inform residents through the media and social media, and work closely with city and county governments and related organizations to implement emergency transportation measures."

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