Kakao Labor Union to Hold Four-Hour Partial Strike on June 10, Warns of Possible Escalation (Comprehensive)

First Strike in Company History Becomes Reality... Rally to Be Held in Pangyo
"Partial Strike Instead of Full-Scale Walkout... Will Escalate Depending on Future Developments"
Kakao: "We Will Do Our Utmost to Ensure Stable Service Operations"

The Kakao labor union, which has been in conflict with management over the bonus and compensation structure, will stage a partial strike and rally on June 10. The union has also suggested the possibility of expanding the strike depending on the company's response.

On June 1, the Kakao branch of the Korean Federation of Chemical & Textile Workers' Unions (Kakao Union) announced in a statement, "We plan to hold a four-hour partial strike and a rally in Pangyo on June 10."

Yonhap News Agency

If the Kakao union moves forward with the partial strike on June 10 as planned, it will mark the first strike in the company's history. After collective bargaining negotiations for 2024 broke down, the Kakao union applied for mediation at the Gyeonggi Regional Labor Relations Commission, but an agreement between labor and management was reached, so an actual strike did not occur at that time.

Regarding the decision to opt for a partial rather than a full-scale strike as the first collective action, the union explained, "We understand that there are significant concerns about potential disruption or problems with services closely connected to daily life, such as KakaoTalk."

However, if management does not take a proactive stance in future negotiations, the union plans to escalate its strike action. The union stated, "Instead of an immediate, full-scale strike, we will conduct a four-hour partial strike and may intensify the strike depending on the progress of future negotiations."

On the same day, the union will hold a rally in the area around Pangyo Station in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, where Kakao's headquarters are located. The union has reported to the police that it will march from around Pangyo Station to U Space in Seongnam from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on that day.

The Kakao union emphasized, "Our core demands are to halt sell-offs, spinoffs, and restructuring driven by continued management failures, and to secure employment stability." The union also called for "an overhaul of the executive-centric compensation system, which allows management to monopolize overwhelming rewards even after making poor decisions that threaten job security."

Previously, on May 27, labor and management at Kakao failed to narrow their differences at the second mediation meeting related to 2026 wage negotiations held at the Gyeonggi Regional Labor Relations Commission, leading to the termination of mediation. As a result, the union secured the right to strike and take collective action. The union had previously announced its intention to go on strike within this month immediately after the termination of mediation was decided.

The union claims that despite Kakao achieving its highest-ever earnings last year, major executives received large bonuses while employees were offered disproportionately lower bonuses. The union also cited unilateral management decision-making, excessive working hours, inadequate response to workplace harassment allegations, and forced consent to forensics investigations as additional sources of conflict.

Kakao management plans to continue dialogue with the union while taking measures to ensure stable service. A Kakao spokesperson said, "We will keep communication channels open with the union and strive for an agreement," adding, "We will establish the necessary response systems and do our best to maintain stable service operations."

The industry believes that even if the Kakao union actually goes on strike, it is unlikely that services such as KakaoTalk messaging or Kakao Pay transfers will be suspended. Unlike manufacturing sectors such as semiconductors, where production lines can stop, IT platform services can be operated with a minimum workforce. Essential work such as server maintenance for stable service can be handled by automated systems, essential personnel, and non-union employees. In fact, even during a two-hour partial strike at Kakao Mobility last year, there were no disruptions to service. Since the Kakao headquarters union is also planning only a partial strike, it is explained that the impact on services will be minimal.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.