Gyeonggi bus union seeks mediation, warns of October 30 strike
In short
Gyeonggi bus union negotiators declared talks with employers unsuccessful on October 14 and applied for labor dispute mediation. The union plans a strike vote on October 23 and says services could stop from the first departures on October 30 if no agreement is reached by October 29.
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Gyeonggi's bus union declared collective bargaining with employers unsuccessful on October 14 and filed for mediation at the Gyeonggi Regional Labor Relations Commission, according to Korean outlets. The move followed the fifth round of central negotiations and concerns 29 bus companies. The union plans a vote involving about 10,000 members on October 23 and says it will begin a general strike with the first departures on October 30 if no agreement is reached by October 29. [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]
The participating companies operate about 90% of the province's bus routes, Kyunghyang Shinmun and CBS NoCut News reported. Kyunghyang said around 10,000 buses could stop if the strike proceeds. It reported that the mediation period runs for 15 days through October 29 and that a majority vote in favor would meet the requirements for a strike. Newsis said the union planned to announce the vote on October 15. [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]
The union is calling for implementation of an earlier agreement to bring wages into line with Seoul bus workers. It also seeks reduced working hours, paid rewards for accident-free work and flu vaccinations for all members. Kyunghyang and CBS reported an additional demand for two consecutive fixed days off each week. Newsis reported that employers maintained a wage freeze for privately operated routes and had not offered a pay increase for semi-public routes. CBS said employers cited Gyeonggi's fiscal difficulties and business problems in saying they could not readily accept the demands. The union argued that its proposals represented implementation of an existing agreement and minimum rights needed for workplace and passenger safety. [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]
Why it matters
The 29 companies participating in negotiations operate about 90% of Gyeonggi's bus routes, outlets reported. Kyunghyang Shinmun said a strike could stop around 10,000 buses.
Key facts
- The union declared the fifth round of central collective bargaining unsuccessful on October 14 and sought mediation. [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]
- The negotiations involve 29 bus companies. [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]
- The union plans a strike vote involving about 10,000 members on October 23. [ 2 , 3 ]
- The proposed strike would begin with the first services on October 30 if no agreement is reached by October 29. [ 2 , 3 ]
- The union seeks implementation of an earlier wage agreement and improvements in working conditions. [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]
Confirmed by several sources
Still unclear
- Whether a strike will take place remains unresolved. It depends on the member vote and the outcome of mediation.