Seoul Transportation Corporation Labor Union
Overview
The Seoul Transportation Corporation Labor Union is a labor union formed by workers belonging to Seoul Transportation Corporation, which operates Seoul Subway Lines 1 to 8. The union's main goals are improving working conditions for subway workers, wage negotiations, creating a safe work environment, and enhancing the quality of public transportation services. Seoul Subway is the largest public transportation system in South Korea, used by an average of over 7 million people daily, making the union's activities closely related to citizens' lives. After Seoul Metro and Seoul Metropolitan Subway Corporation merged in 2017 to form Seoul Transportation Corporation, the existing labor unions of the two companies also merged, establishing the current system.
Main Content
History and Background
The history of Seoul Subway labor unions began with the opening of Line 1 in 1974. Initially, separate labor unions existed for each line, but discussions on integration gained momentum in the 2000s. The merger of Seoul Metro and Seoul Metropolitan Subway Corporation in 2017 led to the integration of labor unions, resulting in the current Seoul Transportation Corporation Labor Union. In this process, the number of union members reached approximately 15,000, making it one of the largest public sector labor unions in the country.
Major Activities
The union's main activities can be broadly divided into three categories. First, wage and working condition negotiations: annually, it negotiates with management on wage increase rates, working hours, and vacation systems. Particularly since the 2020s, demands for wage increases have intensified amid rising prices. Second, safety and environmental improvements: it conducts campaigns to reduce fine dust in subway stations, install platform screen doors, and protect workers' health. Third, strengthening public interest: it demands policies for citizen convenience, such as opposing fare increases, maintaining free transfer systems, and expanding late-night operations.
Issues and Conflicts
The union has frequently clashed with management and the government. Key issues include: first, wages and staffing: Seoul Subway faces chronic deficits, leading to pressure for workforce reductions, while the union demands staffing increases to prevent safety accidents. Second, opposition to privatization: amid concerns that some government policies promote privatization of subway operations, the union has engaged in collective actions such as strikes to maintain public interest. Third, introduction of the 4-team, 2-shift system: implemented from 2023, this system aims to reduce working hours and secure rest time, but some members oppose it due to concerns about wage cuts.
Strikes and Social Impact
The Seoul Transportation Corporation Labor Union has historically conducted several strikes. In 2022, due to a breakdown in wage negotiations, it held a partial strike for nine days—the longest on record—causing delays in subway operations during rush hours and inconveniencing citizens. In 2023, it threatened a general strike demanding safety staffing increases, but it was dramatically withdrawn through last-minute negotiations with management. While such strikes cause transportation inconvenience for citizens, the union argues they are an inevitable choice to improve the quality of public services.
Recent Trends
From 2024 to 2025, the Seoul Transportation Corporation Labor Union is undergoing several significant changes. First, digital transformation and automation: as discussions on introducing driverless operation systems progress, the union raises concerns about job losses and demands retraining and reassignment. Second, climate change response: the union is participating in improving cooling and heating systems in subways and energy efficiency efforts to achieve carbon neutrality goals. Third, 2025 wage negotiations: in wage talks that began in late 2024, the union demands a wage increase of over 5% reflecting inflation, while management offers less than 2% citing financial deterioration, leading to ongoing conflict. Fourth, increase in MZ generation members: younger members emphasize flexible work arrangements and work-life balance, causing changes in traditional labor movement methods. They prefer SNS-based campaigns and online voting, and generational conflict within the union is emerging as a new issue.
Related Topics
- [[Seoul Transportation Corporation]]
- [[Labor unions in South Korea]]
- [[Subway strikes]]