The Seoul city government requested on the 28th that if the bus union's strike materializes, the start times for schools and public institutions in the city be delayed by one hour. Unlike last year, when only city buses went on strike, this year a simultaneous strike is expected in nearby regions such as Gyeonggi and Incheon, raising concerns about disruptions in bus operations in the metropolitan area.
The Seoul city government announced on the 26th that it will review an emergency transportation plan containing this information.
The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions' National Automobile Workers' Union Federation plans to commence a nationwide simultaneous strike beginning from the first bus on the 28th if an agreement on wages and collective negotiations is not reached by the 27th. The union federation will hold a strike launch ceremony in front of the Transportation Center in Songpa-gu that afternoon.
In response, the Seoul city government noted, "This year, there is concern that the strike will be prolonged due to significant differences between labor and management regarding wage negotiations," adding, "We will prepare for a strike lasting at least three days, keeping all possibilities open." The initial wage increase rate demanded by the Seoul city bus union was 8.2%. In contrast, management proposed a freeze.
First, the Seoul city government plans to increase subway operations by a total of 173 additional rides per day. It will extend the main rush hour by one hour compared to the current schedule, increasing train deployment, and extend the last train to operate until 2 a.m. the following day.
Additionally, the 25 districts of Seoul plan to operate free shuttle buses that can take residents to subway stations from key hubs and residences. A total of 117 routes and 625 buses are planned for operation. Information on shuttle bus routes can be checked on the websites of the Seoul city government and respective districts.
Moreover, the Seoul city government plans to provide real-time traffic information through the 120 Dasan Call Center, the city website, social media accounts, electronic billboards on the road, and the bus information terminal at each stop.
The Seoul city government also decided not to collect bus fares if the union actually goes on strike. This measure considers the difficulty of normal bus usage during regular times. Whether fares will be collected will be determined based on the restoration of operations.
Furthermore, the Seoul city government stated it would swiftly take action in consultation with the police against any interference with bus drivers not participating in the strike. Last year, vehicles were reported to be illegally parked at the bus garage entrance, disrupting bus operations, or drivers were reported to have left their posts with bus keys.
The Seoul city government stated that such actions are all illegal and can be addressed or punished according to current laws.
Ye Jang-gwon, head of the Seoul city transportation office, said, "While we will respond strictly to illegal operational disruptions, we will also implement emergency transportation measures smoothly to minimize citizen inconvenience," adding, "Since severe chaos is expected during commuting hours in the event of a full strike, we encourage citizens to actively utilize remote work and similar measures."