Union and Management Review Revised Proposals
Focus on 'Wage Increase Rate' in Talks
Work-to-Rule Action Implemented... No Major Disruptions
As negotiations between labor and management for Seoul city buses broke down, a 'work-to-rule' campaign began with the first buses on April 30. Although the feared commuter chaos did not materialize, both sides are continuing behind-the-scenes talks to prevent a full-scale strike.
According to the Seoul City Bus Labor Union under the Korean Automobile & Transport Workers' Federation on April 30, the union is continuing negotiations with the management, represented by the Seoul City Bus Transport Business Association, exchanging compromise proposals. A union official stated, "Both the union leadership and the management are continuously submitting and reviewing revised proposals," adding, "We hope to reach an agreement, even if it is late today."
The behind-the-scenes negotiations are reportedly focused on the wage increase rate. The union's initial demand was an 8.2% increase in base salary, while management insisted on a wage freeze. The contentious issue of whether regular bonuses should be included in ordinary wages is expected to be discussed at a later stage. Management has argued that the current wage system was established on the premise that bonuses are not included in ordinary wages, and if the Supreme Court's legal interpretation has changed, the wage system should be restructured. The union maintains that this issue cannot be addressed in the collective bargaining agreement.
Previously, labor and management began their final mediation at the Seoul Regional Labor Relations Commission at 5 p.m. on April 29. The two sides repeatedly recessed and resumed talks past midnight but ultimately failed to narrow their differences. The union explained, "The Labor Relations Commission presented a mediation proposal to freeze wages this year just before midnight, which the union had no choice but to reject," adding, "The management also rejected the freeze proposal."
With mediation suspended, the union began a 'safe driving campaign' style work-to-rule action at 4 a.m. that day. This industrial action involves strictly following regulations, such as adhering to break times and departing only after passengers are seated, which may result in delays. The Seoul Metropolitan Government anticipated inconveniences such as increased intervals between buses or slower operation speeds due to the work-to-rule, but there was no significant commuter disruption that morning.
However, the risk of a strike remains. Park Jeomgon, head of the Seoul City Bus Labor Union, stated, "If work-to-rule does not work out, we may proceed to a strike." To minimize inconvenience to citizens, the union plans to conduct the safe driving campaign only until the end of the day and resume normal operations from May 1. If negotiations are not concluded after the holiday period, there is a possibility that industrial action will resume.
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