Strike Concludes, Service Restored in Seoul
Seoul's citywide bus service returned to full operation on Thursday, January 15, following the resolution of a two-day strike that had significantly disrupted public transportation. The walkout, which began on Tuesday, January 13, concluded late on Wednesday, January 14, after extensive negotiations between the Seoul City Bus Workers Union and the Seoul Bus Transport Association.
The agreement, finalized around 11:50 p.m. on January 14 at the Seoul Regional Labor Relations Commission in Yeongdeungpo-gu, brought relief to millions of commuters who faced considerable inconvenience during the cold spell.
Key Terms of the Agreement
The settlement addresses the primary demands of the union, focusing on adjustments to driver compensation and working conditions:
- Wage Increase: Bus drivers will receive a 2.9 percent wage increase for 2025. This figure falls between the initial mediated proposal of 0.5 percent and the union's demand of 3.0 percent.
- Retirement Age: The mandatory retirement age will be gradually extended from the current 63 to 64 starting July 2026, and further to 65 by July 2027.
While these core issues were resolved, a contentious point regarding the inclusion of regular bonuses in base pay, known as 'ordinary wages,' was set aside. The union indicated plans to pursue this matter through civil lawsuits. Additionally, a tripartite task force involving labor, management, and government stakeholders will be established to discuss the city's bus operations monitoring system.
Impact and Emergency Measures
The strike, the first by Seoul bus drivers in two years, paralyzed approximately 93 percent of the capital's bus fleet, affecting some 6,540 to 7,018 vehicles. This led to widespread disruption, with commuters experiencing overcrowded subways and extended taxi queues.
In response, the Seoul Metropolitan Government implemented emergency transportation measures. These included increasing subway services, extending operating hours, and deploying free shuttle buses to connect residential areas with subway stations. These temporary measures are now being rolled back as normal bus operations resume.
Financial Implications and Future Outlook
The agreement, particularly the wage increase and the potential costs associated with future rulings on ordinary wages, is expected to place an increased financial burden on the Seoul Metropolitan Government. City officials estimate that meeting the union's demands could require significant additional annual spending, potentially leading to discussions about future bus fare adjustments. Despite the swift resolution, industry observers note that the complex issue of 'ordinary wages' remains a point of contention that could resurface.
5 Comments
Mariposa
A reasonable compromise was found. This shows good faith from both the union and the city.
Muchacha
The union achieved some of its goals, which is important for worker rights, but the immediate impact on daily life for millions was severe. Finding a balance between worker demands and public service continuity is crucial.
Bella Ciao
While the wage increase is a positive step for workers, the unresolved 'ordinary wages' issue means this isn't a long-term solution. It feels like a temporary fix that will resurface.
Comandante
Another example of unions disrupting daily life for their own benefit. It's unacceptable.
Africa
It's good to see an agreement reached quickly, avoiding a prolonged crisis. However, the mention of civil lawsuits for ordinary wages suggests underlying tensions still exist and could flare up again.