KakaoBank Union Plans Five-Day Strike

The KakaoBank labor union announced plans for a five-day, full general strike commencing on August 31, concluding on September 4. This decision was made by the Kakao branch of the National Chemical, Textile and Food Industry Labor Union, following their announcement on August 20. The union's action is notable as it marks the first extended, back-to-back strike since their inception.

The union cited the management's perceived lack of sincerity in negotiations as the primary catalyst for the strike. They have been engaging in a work-to-rule struggle since August 12, refusing overtime and holiday work, and previously conducted a one-day strike on July 31. Following a second strike on August 14, the union decided to escalate to a five-day consecutive strike.

Seo Seung-wook, the head of the Kakao branch, stated, "Despite the company having ample time and opportunity to address the issue, no practical changes were made," adding, "We have decided to initiate a full general strike based on the union members' decision." The union, having surpassed the majority status with more than half of all employees as members by mid-July, anticipates potential customer inconvenience due to the work vacuum.

Unlike the initial July strike, where about 700 members participated using their annual leave, this strike will involve all union members. The union predicts that as the strike duration extends, work backlogs and response capabilities will progressively deteriorate. Management is proactively preparing counters to minimize customer disruption, emphasizing their commitment to stable service provision and actively seeking resolutions through ongoing dialogues with the union.

The bank's focus lies in maintaining the integrity of non-face-to-face services, with the strike's ultimate impact hinging on whether it results in operational issues or delays in customer responses.