Suwon Mayor Yom Tae-young: "Let's Find Fundamental Solutions to Bus Issues at Civic Grand Forum"
[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Kang Han-seo] Suwon Mayor Yom Tae-young stated on the 21st that "we should hold a civic grand forum to find fundamental solutions to bus issues at the local government level."
Mayor Yom spoke at an 'June Expanded Executive Meeting' held at the Yeongdeungpo-gu Office, saying "let's host a grand forum where citizens, the government, Gyeonggi Province, Suwon City, bus companies, and labor unions participate, and play a role in untangling the knots facing our city." He expressed hopes that "the civic grand forum will not be a one-time event but will serve as a stepping stone to resolving bus issues."
Mayor Yom, who proposed a 'Civic Grand Forum for Solving Bus Issues' on his personal SNS on the 19th, urged thorough preparation at the expanded executive meeting on that day so that it could be a substantive forum capable of finding fundamental alternatives.
Mayor Yom said, "While Gyeonggi Province's bus fare hike plan led to a suspension of the bus strike, the problem has not yet been resolved," and predicted that "if special measures are not implemented, a bus strike will be unavoidable."
He continued, "The 52-hour work week for bus workers is necessary for passenger safety, but there are no measures to minimize the social repercussions that will result from implementing this system," emphasizing that "fundamental solutions are needed that can protect citizens' 'basic right to mobility' and improve working conditions for bus workers."
The government excluded 'route buses' from special exception industries without work hour restrictions in March of last year. The 52-hour work week system for bus operators is scheduled to take effect from July 1.
Bus workers argue that if the 52-hour work week is introduced, they cannot work overtime and wages will decrease significantly, urging "measures to supplement wages." However, bus companies maintain that if work hours are reduced, wage compensation will be difficult.
Meanwhile, Mayor Yom Tae-young also emphasized the importance of urban design at the meeting.
Mayor Yom said, "In the future, urban design will have a major impact on determining the dignity and level of a city," and instructed "at the planning stage of all policy projects, consult on design and conduct inspections."