Seoul Transit Strike will disrupt the city as unionized workers push for higher wages and additional staffing. The strike threatens subway lines and bus services, affecting millions of daily commuters.
The three unions representing Seoul Metro’s Lines 1-8 scheduled final negotiations with management for Thursday. Workers demand more hires and a 3 percent wage increase, citing safety concerns.
All unions completed legal steps for a strike starting Friday. This joint walkout represents 86 percent of Seoul Metro employees.
The Seoul Transit Corporation Labor Union said reducing 2,200 staff has created unsafe vacancies. Members claim insufficient staffing jeopardizes commuter safety and service reliability. Management has offered a 1.8 percent wage increase, below union demands.
Since December 1, the unions have staged a work-to-rule protest, strictly following stop times and performing only required tasks. The action has slowed subway operations.
Subway Line 9’s union also announced a strike Friday, saying management failed to hire 55 promised staff. Meanwhile, Seoul’s bus union began preparing a potential strike over unpaid wages and delayed interest after a recent court ruling.
City authorities warned the Seoul Transit Strike could disrupt transport for thousands. Officials urged unions and management to reach an agreement quickly.
A transportation expert noted that these labor actions highlight broader workforce pressures amid rising living costs and staffing shortages. “Strikes show the urgent need for fair wages and proper staffing to maintain safety,” the expert said.
The Seoul Transit Strike illustrates growing tensions in the public transportation sector, with major implications for commuters, traffic, and service quality. City officials are preparing contingency plans.
