Naver Z, which operates the metaverse platform Zepeto, has entered its first strike amid a wage freeze dispute. The union plans to escalate its actions, starting with a four-hour partial strike on September 9 and a full strike scheduled for the 23rd.
According to the ICT industry on September 9, members of the Naver Z union, part of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, conducted a partial strike from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. This marks the first time the union has taken actual strike action within the Naver Group.
The core issue of the dispute is this year's wage increase rate. Naver Z management proposed a wage freeze due to business conditions, while the union is demanding a 5.3% increase, which was agreed upon by Naver's headquarters and major affiliates. The two sides have been unable to narrow their differences during wage negotiations.
The union applied for labor dispute mediation with the Gyeonggi Provincial Labor Relations Commission, but no agreement was reached in two rounds of mediation. Following the suspension of mediation on July 24, a vote on whether to take strike action showed an 88.6% turnout, with 98% in favor, granting the union the right to strike.
Following the partial strike, the union plans to expand its collective actions if there is no change in management's stance. A full strike is planned for the 23rd, and if negotiations do not progress, the union may escalate to a strike lasting up to five days.
This strike by the Naver Z union is intertwined with demands for 'integrated negotiations,' which call for Naver's headquarters to participate in wage discussions with its affiliates. The union held a declaration ceremony for integrated negotiations on August 20, insisting that the headquarters should discuss wages and working conditions with its subsidiaries.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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