Seoul city bus strike looms over wage dispute

Seoul city bus operators and labor unions are facing a potential strike on the 16th due to a deadlock in wage negotiations. The dispute centers on the calculation of ordinary wages and requested pay increases.

The Seoul City Bus Labor Union is demanding a 7.85% hourly wage increase and the adoption of a 176-hour monthly standard for calculating ordinary wages. This demand follows a Supreme Court ruling regarding a lawsuit involving Dong-a Unsu, which the union claims has established the 176-hour standard.

In contrast, the Seoul City Bus Transport Business Association has proposed a 10.32% wage increase based on a 209-hour monthly standard, consistent with guidelines used in other major Korean cities. The association argues that meeting the union's demands would result in an additional annual labor cost of approximately 539.4 billion won. They noted that under the union's terms, a driver at the 9th salary step would see their annual salary rise from 68.7 million won to over 85 million won.

If negotiations fail following a second mediation meeting scheduled for the 15th, the strike is expected to begin with the first bus service on the 16th. The association stated they are coordinating with the Seoul Metropolitan Government to prepare alternative transportation measures.