Kakao Bank union begins partial strike, refusing overtime

The labor union at Kakao Bank initiated a partial strike starting at midnight on July 12, signaling a significant escalation in their demands for improved working conditions. Members of the union, affiliated with the Korean Chemical Fiber Food Industry Union, are refusing to work overtime, night shifts, and holidays. This action follows a one-day general strike on June 30, where employees took annual leave.

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This compliance struggle is not an act of neglecting work, but an action of strictly adhering to the legally defined working hours and the company's established work procedures.

The union's strategy, termed "compliance struggle," involves adhering strictly to legally mandated working hours and company-defined procedures. They will not engage in work beyond scheduled hours, including responding to calls or messages for work-related matters outside of their shifts. The union emphasizes that this is not an act of shirking duties but a commitment to legal and procedural compliance.

"This compliance struggle is not an act of neglecting work, but an action of strictly adhering to the legally defined working hours and the company's established work procedures," the Kakao branch stated. They argue that the stable operation of financial services should not depend on long working hours, constant availability after work, or individual sacrifices. The responsibility for ensuring service continuity and emergency response systems, they contend, lies with the company's provision of adequate staffing and work structures, not individual employees.

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The stable operation of financial services should not depend on long working hours, constant availability after work, or individual sacrifices.

The union also warned of firm responses against any attempts by the company to distort the purpose of the struggle, verify participation, or exert pressure and impose disadvantages on union members. The branch chief, Seo Seung-wook, stated, "This compliance struggle is an action to create an environment where members can work sustainably and an stable service operation system." He vowed to continue lawful industrial action until the company presents responsible dialogue and practical solutions.

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The responsibility for ensuring service continuity and emergency response systems lies with the company's provision of adequate staffing and work structures, not individual employees.

Kakao Bank acknowledged the situation, stating, "We are operating the necessary response system to prevent customer inconvenience and will continue dialogue with the union to reach a swift agreement."

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This compliance struggle is an action to create an environment where members can work sustainably and an stable service operation system.