Seoul Subway Line 9 Union Announces General Strike on the 11th... Work-to-Rule Protest Begins Tomorrow

Eonju Station to Veterans Hospital Station Section of Line 9

Certain sections of Seoul Subway Line 9 have also announced plans for a work-to-rule campaign and a strike.

The Seoul Metro Line 9 Branch of the Public Transport Workers' Union held a press conference in front of Seoul City Hall on the morning of December 2, stating, "If the Seoul Metropolitan Government and Seoul Metro do not implement the agreement to increase staffing, we will launch a general strike starting on December 11."

The Seoul Metro Line 9 Branch of the Public Transport Workers' Union held a press conference on the 2nd in front of Seoul City Hall to announce a general strike. Photo by Public Transport Workers' Union

They added, "Beginning December 3, all employees across all positions will participate in a work-to-rule campaign, including maintaining train intervals and refusing to perform tasks outside of regulations, such as additional train operations."

The section managed by the Seoul Metro Line 9 Branch covers the Eonju Station to Seoul National Cemetery Hospital Station segment (phases 2 and 3). This is distinct from phase 1 (Gaehwa Station to Sinnonhyeon Station), which is operated by Seoul Metro Line 9 Corporation.

The union stated, "Last year, we reached an agreement with Seoul Metro to increase the workforce by more than 55 employees, but nearly a year has passed and the promise has not been kept." They demanded, "The Seoul Metropolitan Government and Seoul Metro must fulfill their responsibilities." The union further emphasized, "Line 9 operates with fewer staff compared to Lines 1 through 8, yet faces higher congestion and greater accident risks. Delays in responding to train incidents and in restoring service disruptions, as well as pressure on safety inspection cycles, all stem from a lack of personnel."

In response, Seoul Metro stated, "We consulted with the Seoul Metropolitan Government to secure 55 employees, but ultimately, only 15 additional staff were approved through the discussions. There has never been an agreement between labor and management to increase the workforce by 55 employees."

The first and second unions of Seoul Metro, which operate Lines 1 through 8, have been conducting work-to-rule operations since the previous day. The first and third unions have announced a general strike scheduled for December 12.