Seoul Subway Correct Labor Union Announces General Strike for December 12

General Strike Scheduled for the Same Day as the First Union

The Correct Labor Union, the third union of Seoul Metro, has announced a general strike scheduled for December 12.

On November 26, Song Siyoung, head of the Correct Labor Union, held a press conference in front of Seoul City Hall and stated, "It is now time for the Seoul Metropolitan Government to respond to the earnest voices of its employees. If they ignore and turn away from us, the union will launch a full-scale general strike starting December 12."

On the 17th, the Seoul Metro Correct Labor Union held a "2025 Collective Bargaining Dispute Action Departure Rally" in front of Seoul City Hall. Provided by Correct Labor Union

The strike authorization vote by the Correct Labor Union passed on November 21 with an approval rate of 95.3%. With mediation by the Regional Labor Relations Commission currently suspended, the union is now legally able to take industrial action.

The Correct Labor Union explained, "After the press conference, we will announce action guidelines to our members and continue efforts to engage in dialogue with both Seoul Metro and the Seoul Metropolitan Government. At the same time, we will accelerate preparations for industrial action in case the strike proceeds."

The union is demanding a reasonable wage increase and an expansion of the workforce. Song emphasized, "Despite deficits caused by free rides, it is extremely unreasonable to expect employees to cover the excess labor costs incurred by city policy projects such as fireworks festivals, drone shows, and subway line extensions-costs that should be addressed through increased wages for the staff."

He added, "Due to various vacancies and retirements, the staffing shortage this year exceeds 1,000 people. If only about 200 new hires-just a quarter of what is needed-are approved, it will be impossible for the company to operate normally or even maintain the minimum safety standards. What is needed now is a bold decision from the Seoul Metropolitan Government, which has the authority over policy-related labor costs and the scale of recruitment."

If additional negotiations between the city, the company, and the unions do not take place, a "subway crisis" could occur in December. Previously, the first union, the Seoul Metro Labor Union, also announced a general strike for December 12. The second union, the Seoul Metro Integrated Union, is currently coordinating its strike schedule as well.