Catherwood LibraryILR School

Transit services in Seoul faced major disruptions today as the city bus union launched a general strike following failed negotiations over wages and conditions. Talks between the Seoul City Bus Labor Union and the Bus Transportation Association collapsed after nine hours of mediation, prompting the union to walk out starting with the day’s first scheduled buses. In response, the Seoul city government rolled out contingency plans, including expanded subway service, free shuttle buses, and temporarily allowing taxi ride-sharing. The strike, now in its second consecutive year, has sparked concern that unions in other cities like Busan, Ulsan, and Changwon may follow suit if their own talks break down. A large protest rally involving thousands of union members was also planned in front of City Hall