Seoul Metro Labor Union Resolves to Dispute... "Strike if No Progress in Negotiations"

The labor union of Seoul Metro resolved to initiate a labor dispute today (October 15), demanding wage increases and the withdrawal of workforce reduction plans.

The union plans to go on strike if there is no progress in future negotiations.

Seoul Metro's labor union announced that it held an extraordinary delegates meeting on this day and resolved to trigger a labor dispute to secure the 2026 collective wage and agreement negotiations.

The union previously declared a breakdown in negotiations with management during the third main bargaining session on September 29.

The union's core demands include a 3.5 percent wage increase, the complete withdrawal of plans to cut 2,212 workers, the hiring of 1,313 short-handed staff within the year, government subsidies for public service costs, and making the two-person crew system mandatory in the field.

The union claimed that management has failed to present concrete measures regarding its core demands, citing consultations with the Seoul Metropolitan Government and organizational reviews.

In response, the union plans to apply for labor dispute mediation with the Seoul Regional Labor Relations Commission tomorrow (October 16), and hold a vote for or against industrial action from November 2 to 5.

On November 6, the union plans to hold a joint press conference with organizations such as the Korean Railway Workers' Union to announce the voting results and future plans. Following a general meeting of union members on November 17, it plans to launch a work-to-rule protest starting November 20.

The union stated that if there is no progress in negotiations thereafter, it will proceed with industrial action, including a strike.

"This resolution to initiate a dispute is not merely a demand for higher wages, but a decision to prevent large-scale workforce cuts, replenish insufficient field staff, and protect the safety of workers and citizens," the union said.

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.