The labor union of Naver Z, the operator of the metaverse platform Zepeto, announced that it will launch a full-day strike on September 23.

The Naver branch of the Korean Chemical, Textile and Food Workers' Union (KCTF) under the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTF) will initiate a full-day strike involving union members belonging to Naver Z.

Previously, the Naver Z union held its first partial strike and a rally for four hours on September 9, urging management to show a forward-looking change in attitude.

At the time, the union stated that it would step up the intensity of its struggle if management failed to present an acceptable proposal.

Explaining the background of the strike, the union stated, "Following the partial strike and rally on September 9, there has been no request whatsoever from the management of Naver Z and Naver for negotiations to resolve the issue," adding, "As previously warned, we will go on a full-day strike for a day on September 23."

Instead of large-scale offline gatherings such as rallies near the office building, the union plans to carry out collective action centered on morning commute picketing and non-face-to-face online activities via YouTube Live.

Detailed programs and live broadcast schedules will be announced separately on the morning of the strike.

The core issue of this conflict is the wage increase rate.

Protesting management's policy to freeze wages, the union has demanded a 5.3% increase, the same rate applied to Naver's headquarters and Snow.

However, Naver Z management has maintained its stance that it is difficult to accept the 5.3% increase proposal due to the company's business conditions, resulting in a persistent standoff between labor and management.

As the union has warned of phased escalations in its struggle, following this full-day strike on September 23 with a strike of up to five days starting October 18, the labor-management conflict is expected to be prolonged if there is no progress in negotiations.

(Photo: Yonhap News)