Seoul Metro, Severe Disciplinary Action Against 34 Union Officials for '134 Days of Unauthorized Absence'

Salary Recovery Up to 40 Million KRW Per Person

Seoul Metro imposed severe disciplinary actions on 34 labor union officials who abused the time-off system, intended for union activities, to engage in unauthorized absences. The company plans to recover up to 40 million KRW in wages from these individuals.

On the 19th, Seoul Metro announced that it had launched a full-scale investigation in early October last year on all 311 users of the time-off system. As a result, 34 union officials were found to have neglected their duties by not reporting to work or working outside the designated time-off hours. These officials received severe disciplinary measures, including dismissal, and wage recovery orders.

After receiving an audit report from the Seoul Metropolitan Government Audit Committee in September last year, which indicated that many union officials were not performing their duties properly, Seoul Metro began its own investigation and confirmed these findings. Initially, 187 union officials who did not report to their designated workplaces during unauthorized working hours under the pretext of union activities were identified. The company then reviewed individual explanations and verified days of absence.

Through the investigation, 20 union officials were dismissed, and 14 were discharged. Dismissal is the most severe disciplinary action, resulting in a 50% reduction in retirement benefits (statutory retirement pay is guaranteed) and a five-year ban on employment in public service or related fields. Discharge is the second-highest disciplinary level, with full retirement benefits paid but a three-year employment ban in public service or related fields.

In the case of Mr. A, who was dismissed, it was confirmed that from September 29, 2022, to September 30 of last year, he failed to report to his designated workplace on 134 out of 137 scheduled working days without justifiable reasons. Mr. B also did not report to his designated workplace on 138 out of 141 scheduled working days during the same period.

Additionally, Seoul Metro plans to recover approximately 900 million KRW in wages from the 34 disciplined officials based on the "no work, no pay" principle. The average amount to be recovered per person is estimated to be around 26 million KRW.

Since November last year, Seoul Metro has improved the criteria for employee time-off usage from a "daily" to an "annual" basis to prevent frequent changes of users. From December of the same year, the company strengthened attendance management by requiring approval from supervisors for both departure and return when cooperating with union activities. For the remaining individuals suspected of violating regulations, thorough investigations will be conducted, and if misconduct is confirmed, disciplinary actions will be taken according to relevant rules and principles.