Work-to-Rule: What Does It Mean?

The work-to-rule action involves drivers adhering strictly to all regulations and procedures. This includes:

• Ensuring all passengers are seated or holding handrails before departing.
• Avoiding sudden starts and stops.
• Refraining from unsafe lane changes.

The expected outcome is a slowdown in bus speeds.

Morning Commute: Surprisingly Smooth

Despite the labor action, the morning commute in central Seoul appeared relatively normal. As of 8 a.m. Tuesday, bus stops around Gwanghwamun and Chungjeongno were operating as usual.

There has been no significant change in bus speeds or operations.

— A seoul city official

However, some commuters reported increased crowding on subway lines.

There seemed to be 20 to 30 percent more subway passengers than normal. I think many people opted for the subway to avoid potential disruptions from the bus strike.

— Ahn Bo-hyeong, commuter

The Core Dispute: Wages and Bonuses

While the immediate impact on commuters was minimal, significant disagreements remain between the labor union and management. The central issue is whether bonuses should be included in base wages.

The union argues that a Supreme Court ruling from last December mandates that bi-monthly bonuses—equivalent to 100 percent of base salary—be considered part of regular wages.

This isn’t a negotiable issue. Management must comply.

— Seoul Bus Labor Union

The union is also demanding an 8.2 percent increase in base pay, the elimination of wage disparities for equal work, and an extension of the retirement age from 63 to 65 [[3]].

Management’s Perspective: Unrealistic Demands

Management and city officials contend that the union’s demands are excessive and that the wage structure needs reform considering the court ruling.

If we except all of the union’s demands, it would mean a total wage increase of over 20 percent. This would raise the average annual salary of bus drivers from 62.73 million won [$43,900] to 78.72 million won.

— A city official

The city estimates that meeting the union’s demands would increase labor costs by approximately 300 billion won annually.

A partial strike by the Seoul bus labor union is notified at buses in Seoul on April 30. [YONHAP]

Financial Strain on Seoul’s Bus System

Seoul’s bus system is currently facing a cumulative deficit of over 950 billion won. This financial strain has prompted the city to pursue reforms for the first time in two decades. The proposed changes include shifting from a post-payment reimbursement model to a pre-approved funding system with capped subsidies.

In a situation where bus-related deficits continue to grow, raising salaries by more than 20 percent using taxpayer money is unacceptable.

— A city official

The Seoul Station bus transfer center in central Seoul on April 30 [NEWS1]

Looking Ahead: A Temporary Truce

The labor union plans to suspend its work-to-rule campaign during the May holiday period,from Friday,May 2,to Tuesday,may 6,to minimize public inconvenience. However, if no agreement is