SEOUL, June 29 (AJP) -Messaging at Kakao, whose chat platform is used by most South Koreans, is expected to remain unaffected by a one-day collective union action to log off from work on Monday.
Kakao said it has activated a real-time response system to ensure stable operation of KakaoTalk and other key services and minimize inconvenience to users as unionized workers stage what they call a "Logout Day."
The action comes after labor and management failed to narrow differences over the company's performance-based bonus system. It is the union's second industrial action this month, following a four-hour partial strike on June 10.
Union members at five Kakao affiliates — Kakao, Kakao Pay, Kakao Enterprise, DK Techin and XL Games — are taking part by using full-day annual leave or scheduled time off and logging out of internal work systems.
Kakao's main union has about 2,500 members, while industry officials estimate participation could reach up to 3,000 including affiliates. The final number will be tallied after the action ends.
The union does not plan to hold an offline rally or issue a separate statement on Monday.
Negotiations over the bonus system broke down in May and have remained stalled for nearly two months. The union has demanded performance bonuses worth about 10 million won per person, equivalent to roughly 13 to 14 percent of operating profit, while management says the demand would place an excessive burden on the company.
The first round of action drew about 1,000 participants at Kakao headquarters and about 1,500 across the five affiliates, but caused no service disruption. Much of Kakao's service operation is automated, limiting user impact.
Still, the latest action is being watched more closely because it lasts a full day and the union has signaled broader participation. Kakao said it will continue talks with the union while maintaining emergency response measures for its major services.
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