The Seoul Transportation Corporation union is set to initiate formal strike procedures following the results of a recent vote on strike action. The corporation operates all lines of the Seoul subway, from Line 1 to Line 8, as well as sections 2 and 3 of Line 9.
On November 10, the union held a media briefing at the Jeon Tae-il Memorial Hall in Jongno, Seoul, to announce the results of the strike vote and outline their future plans.
The union revealed the specific date for the strike's commencement. They plan to begin a safety operation struggle starting with the day shift on November 20, and if there is no significant change in the stance of the corporation and the city government, they will proceed with an indefinite general strike starting November 25.
During the strike vote held from November 2 to 5, 7,782 out of 9,201 total union members participated, resulting in a turnout of 84.6%. Among those, 6,715 members, or 86.3%, voted in favor of the strike.
The union presented four key demands to the city and the corporation: a full wage increase in line with the government guideline of 3.5%, the complete withdrawal of the plan to reduce staff by 2,212, the hiring of 1,313 workers within the year to prevent safety gaps, and the implementation of mandatory two-person teams supported by government funding.
A central issue emphasized by the union is 'staff shortages.' They urged the city to halt the reduction of 2,212 positions initiated during the COVID-19 pandemic due to decreased ridership and to ensure new hires to minimize workforce gaps.
According to the union, as of October this year, there are 311 vacancies compared to the authorized workforce, with long-term absences due to parental leave accounting for a significant portion.
Union Chairman Kim Jeong-seop responded to inquiries, stating, "The number of vacancies due to parental leave is increasing, and not hiring replacements is excessive. The city's refusal to hire could lead to safety issues on the subway and problems with youth employment."
The union has demanded a total wage increase of 5.2% in this year's negotiations but has indicated a willingness to accept the government's guideline of 3.5%.
If their demands are not met, the union plans to continue the 'safety operation struggle' starting November 20. They warned that this could lead to train delays as they may secure station stop times according to safety regulations or refuse directives that do not comply with regulations to ensure passenger safety.
The integrated union, along with the Airport Railroad and GTX-A unions, will also participate, while the Korail union plans to join in lawful protests starting November 23. However, discussions with the Correct Union, the third union of the Seoul Transportation Corporation, have not yet taken place.
If there is no significant change in the stance of the city and the corporation after the safety operation struggle, the union has declared that they will join the integrated union in an indefinite general strike starting November 25.
Chairman Kim stated, "Even to post a job announcement for parental leave replacements, prior approval from the city is required. The city will inevitably be the main party for concrete dialogue, and we are open to the possibility of discussions at any time."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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