Busan Subway Workers to Strike Starting October 23 After Failed Negotiations

Busan subway workers are set to strike starting with the first train on October 23 after failing to reach an agreement during labor negotiations. This will be the first strike in seven years, since 2019.

Busan Transportation Corporation and the Busan Subway Union announced on October 22 that their 19th round of negotiations, held at the Nopo Vehicle Depot, ended without a resolution. The two sides reportedly could not bridge their differences over staffing increases and subcontractor negotiations.

In preparation for the strike, the city of Busan plans to deploy essential personnel to maintain subway operations at an average of 75% of normal weekday levels. Lines 1 to 3 will operate at regular intervals during peak commuting hours, while service will be reduced during off-peak times. The unmanned Line 4 will continue normal operations.

Ahead of the negotiations, the union had been demanding new hires and increased safety personnel due to the opening of the Yangsan Line. The union representing subsidiary workers also sought improvements in facility conditions and labor cost calculations in negotiations with the Busan Transportation Corporation but did not reach an agreement.

Previously, the Busan Subway Union went on strike on July 10, 2019, but called it off the next day after reaching a tentative agreement with management. At that time, the two sides agreed to a 0.9% wage increase and the hiring of 540 new workers.

In October 2024, a tentative agreement was reached during final negotiations that included a 2.5% wage increase among 35 items, leading to the cancellation of a strike that had been announced for the first train.