Seoul braces for major bus strike as unionized drivers and company leaders sit down for last-minute wage negotiations. Talks resumed Tuesday afternoon, just one day before workers promised to walk off the job. Union officials warned they would strike from the first scheduled buses on Wednesday unless they reach an agreement. The dispute involves 61 of the capital’s 64 intracity bus companies, which operate nearly 7,000 buses across 389 routes. Seoul braces for major bus strike as officials scramble to avoid mass disruption.
Bus workers demanded an 8.2 percent raise in their base salary, citing rising costs and increased job demands. Meanwhile, company management argued that including bonuses in base pay, as per a court ruling, would raise wages by 25 percent. Negotiators failed to resolve the gap in earlier meetings, intensifying public anxiety over an imminent shutdown. Last year, a similar breakdown sparked the first strike in over a decade. Now, Seoul braces for major bus strike as frustration grows on both sides.
In 2023, drivers staged a walkout for the first time since 2012 after talks collapsed under similar circumstances. This year, union leaders refused to extend discussions beyond the deadline unless the company agrees to their wage structure. They vowed to move forward with the strike if the management continues to reject their proposals. City residents now prepare for long delays, limited routes, and packed subway cars. Seoul braces for major bus strike amid growing commuter uncertainty.
City officials activated emergency transport plans to limit the impact on daily life. They added 173 subway runs during rush hours and launched free shuttle buses between key areas and stations. The city urged commuters to adjust travel schedules and rely on subways where possible. Transit teams coordinated with police and volunteers to manage crowds at major hubs. While Seoul braces for major bus strike, local authorities continue to prepare for a tough morning.
Bus unions in Busan, Changwon, and Ulsan also threatened to walk out in solidarity, citing similar grievances. Their participation could spark a wider transport crisis affecting much of the country. Leaders from those cities plan to meet Tuesday night to decide their course of action. If they join, the disruption could expand beyond Seoul into a national crisis. As Seoul braces for major bus strike, neighboring cities watch closely for the outcome.
