Strike to Begin with First Train on the 17th if Final Negotiations Fail on the 16th
Emergency Response Headquarters Activated
Full Efforts to Ensure Safe Subway Operations and Minimize Inconvenience for Citizens
100% Operation Maintained During Commuting Hours
Service Reduced to Around 50% During Other Times
Busan Transportation Corporation (President Lee Byungjin) entered an emergency operation system starting September 16 in preparation for the strike planned by the Busan Transportation Corporation Labor Union, which is scheduled to begin with the first train on September 17.
The corporation and the union have held 13 rounds of negotiations since May, but have failed to reach an agreement.
The union is demanding a 5.9% wage increase, separate payment of statutory allowances due to the recalculation of ordinary wages, and an increase of 344 employees.
The corporation, citing a financial deficit of around 400 billion won, has stated that it can partially accept a 3.0% wage increase and an increase in statutory allowances, but firmly rejected the demand for additional personnel.
On this day, starting at 3 p.m., the corporation activated the Emergency Response Headquarters and established emergency transportation measures to prepare for the strike. The train operation rate will be maintained at 78.5% of normal levels. During commuting hours (07:30-08:50, 17:30-19:00), trains will run at 100% as usual, while during other hours, Lines 1 to 3 will be reduced by up to 51.5%. The unmanned light rail Line 4 will operate normally across the entire line.
For emergency operations, a total of 2,222 personnel will be deployed, including 1,294 essential staff across seven areas such as driving, control, and vehicles, as well as 525 internal staff and 403 external support personnel. This accounts for 45% of the current workforce.
President Lee Byungjin stated, "As this issue is directly related to the daily lives of citizens, I will continue to participate in negotiations until the end," and added, "Even if the strike becomes a reality, trains will operate normally during commuting hours, so please check the train schedules in advance for other times."
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