The Seoul City Bus Labor Union has announced that it is willing to negotiate until 9 p.m. today (September 15) if constructive alternatives are presented during the labor commission's mediation regarding wage and collective agreements.

However, if an agreement is not reached by that time, the union plans to go on strike starting from the first buses at 4 a.m. tomorrow (September 16).

During a briefing at the Sangsaeng Hall of the Seoul Regional Labor Relations Commission this afternoon, Yoo Jae-ho, deputy general secretary of the Seoul City Bus Labor Union, said, "We are not insisting on a 7.85% wage increase," adding, "If 176 hours are recognized as the basis for calculating ordinary wages and discussions take into account this year and next year's wage negotiations, we can make concessions based on objective criteria and reach an agreement."

The union explained that the 7.85% figure was its initial demand and the maximum proposed during negotiations considering inflation and other factors, meaning negotiations can take place anywhere between 0% and 7.85%.

"Some other regions have seen increases of over 5%, so we can narrow the gap based on that," Yoo emphasized, adding, "It is not that we are going on strike because we cannot lower it even by 0.1%."

However, regarding the core dispute over the standard hours for calculating ordinary wages, Yoo maintained his firm stance that "it must be set at 176 hours in accordance with the court ruling."

The union also refuted the management's claim that "accepting the union's demands would raise bus drivers' annual salaries to 85 million won."

Yoo stated that this year's average annual salary for a bus driver is about 59 million won, with a monthly salary of around 4.9 million won, noting that "85 million won is a theoretical figure assuming all Saturday and holiday overtime work is performed."

He argued that to accurately describe the actual wage level, the number of workers receiving that annual salary and their working hours should be presented together.

The union criticized the management for not actively engaging in negotiations.

"During the first mediation meeting, we expressed our willingness to meet without being bound by formality, including weekends, but there has been no particular proposal from the employer side or the city of Seoul since then," Yoo said.

Regarding the 9 p.m. negotiation deadline set for today, Yoo explained, "For the first buses to roll out at 4 a.m., drivers must leave their homes around 2 a.m. Regardless of whether an agreement is reached, drivers need to get enough sleep to prepare for operation, so we want to avoid meaningless all-night negotiations."

"We apologize to the citizens, but this is to exercise our constitutional rights," he reiterated. "We will negotiate diligently until 9 p.m. If there is a willingness for sound discussion, the scope for wage increases is very much open."

If today's negotiations collapse, the bus union plans to immediately hold a meeting of branch chairpersons to execute strike guidelines and halt operations starting with the first buses at 4 a.m. on September 16.

(Photo: Yonhap News)