SEOUL, November 25 (AJP) - Unionized subway workers in Seoul threatened a full-scale strike at a press conference in front of Seoul City Hall on Tuesday.
Seoul Metro, which operates subway lines 1 through 8, warned that they would strike unless their demands for higher wages, the hiring of more staff, and a halt to large-scale layoffs and pay cuts are met. The union added that an all-out strike would begin in the coming weeks if these demands are not addressed.
They warned, "If workers' safety is not ensured through the hiring of more staff, we will begin a partial slowdown on Dec. 1, followed by a full-scale strike starting Dec. 12." The slowdown would involve delayed door closures and reduced train speeds, likely causing disruptions for commuters during the morning and evening rush hours.
The two sides failed to narrow their differences in recent wage negotiations, with the union seeking a 3 percent salary increase while Seoul Metro offered just 1.8 percent, citing budget constraints.
In a recent vote, 83.53 percent of unionized workers supported going ahead with the strike.
* This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP.
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