The Seoul city bus union went on an indefinite, full strike starting with the first buses on the 13th.
The Korea Automobile & Transport Workers' Federation Seoul City Bus Labor Union and management, the Seoul Bus Transport Business Association, continued wage and collective bargaining talks for more than 10 hours from 3 p.m. the previous day, but ultimately broke down.
They failed to narrow differences over whether to include bonuses in the regular wage. The union demanded a 3% wage increase, excluding any additional pay stemming from recognition of regular wage. Management pushed back, saying that if they raise wages as proposed by the union and also recognize the regular wage, it would effectively be close to a 20% increase.
Labor and management have not yet set an additional negotiation schedule. However, the two sides are expected to continue behind-the-scenes contacts.
All 64 Seoul city bus companies are unionized, so disruptions to bus service due to the strike are expected to be significant. The Seoul city government implemented emergency transportation measures from 4 a.m. the same day, adding more subway trains during commuting hours and extending operating hours.