Seoul's City Bus Union Plans to Implement Work-to-Rule Action Starting Wednesday Morning
Hangin' out in Seoul, folks are chillin' while awaiting their bus rides, but there's a storm brewin'. Here's the scoop on the bus labor dispute playin' out:
The unions representing drivers have launched a technician's strike, causing some chaos on the streets of Seoul. After a brief holiday break, the strike resumed on the 7th of May, and it's looking like things might take a turn for the worse. The union’s demands include a significant base pay increase of 8.2% and an extension of the retirement age to 65, but the management counters with proposals for wage system reforms. Mediators have put forth a freeze on wages as a potential solution, but that idea was swiftly turned down.
With this work-to-rule protest, the drivers are following strict safety protocols, which means slower operations. Overcrowding is a concern during peak hours, but the city has responded by extending subway rush hours (7–10 a.m.) and adding 47 extra subway trains to help alleviate the situation. However, early reports raised concerns about insufficient multilingual updates for international residents, but the city seems to be focusing more on subway support rather than improving bus services specifically for non-Korean speakers.
Looking ahead, the union is planning a full-scale strike meeting on the 8th of May, so it's anyone's guess what happens next. Meanwhile, the city has sent officials to monitor for deliberate delays at major stops, but free shuttle buses, which were used during previous protests, haven't been activated yet.
If you're an international rider, it's wise to keep close tabs on subway schedules and alternative routes, as bus services might experience some unexpected delays. Stay tuned for updates on this unfolding situation in Seoul.
1.The international community residing in Seoul has expressed concerns about insufficient captions in Korean announments on their commuter bus rides during the strike.
2.The Joongang Daily, a major South Korean newspaper, has covered the politics surrounding the bus labor dispute extensively in its general-news section.
3.As the technician's strike by bus drivers continues, some international commuters might find it generative to consider alternative transportation methods while waiting for a resolution.
4.The international government, observing the ongoing labor dispute in Seoul, might consider intervening if the situation escalates and impacts international commuters significantly.
