Gyeonggi Province, together with 31 cities and counties, has prepared an emergency transportation plan in response to the announcement by the city bus labor unions, including the Gyeonggi Regional Automobile Labor Union, of a total city bus strike starting from the first bus on the 26th due to the breakdown of wage negotiations.
Gyeonggi Province plans to first persuade labor and management representatives before the expiration of the mediation deadline set by the Gyeonggi Regional Labor Relations Commission and to encourage an agreement between labor and management up until just before the strike by conveying public concerns about the strike.
However, if the strike becomes a reality, the province will establish a cooperative system with related organizations such as cities, counties, and the Gyeonggi Province Bus Transportation Business Association, and form an emergency transportation headquarters centered on the province to operate a 24-hour emergency duty.
During the strike, major areas and subway stations with high bus usage demand in each city and county will be designated as boarding hubs, and 425 chartered and official buses will be deployed to operate in a circular route between these boarding hubs.
At the same time, village bus operating hours will be extended, and reserve vehicles will be deployed on city bus strike routes.
Additionally, the province plans to encourage the operation of private and general taxis and guide taxis to be concentrated around bus stops (bus bays).
Furthermore, the operation hours of the Uijeongbu, Gimpo, and Yongin light rail transit systems will be extended, and the number of trips and vehicles increased. The province will also consult with Seoul Metro and Korail to extend operation hours and increase trips and vehicles on metropolitan subway lines.
Moreover, the strike situation will be promptly communicated through the Gyeonggi Bus Information System (gbis.go.kr), provincial and city/county websites and social media (SNS), G-Bus TV, and bus stop notices, while also promoting alternative transportation options.
Kim Sang-su, Director of the Gyeonggi Province Transportation Bureau, stated, "We are making efforts to reach a smooth agreement between labor and management before the final wage negotiation mediation deadline expires." He added, "If the decision on whether to proceed with the strike is confirmed around midnight on the 25th, we will inform residents in detail through the media and social media (SNS), and work with cities, counties, and related organizations to do our best in implementing emergency transportation measures."
Currently, the bus labor union has demanded a substantial wage increase for private transportation workers from the companies, but the companies have stated that due to financial conditions, it is difficult to accept the union's wage increase demands.
Accordingly, the union has announced a full strike starting from the first bus on the 26th targeting union members belonging to 52 city bus companies if the final mediation meeting at the Gyeonggi Regional Labor Relations Commission on the 25th fails. It is estimated that 9,516 buses, accounting for 89% of the 10,648 city buses in the province, will be affected by the strike.
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