(2nd LD) Seoul city bus union to go on strike Wed. after wage talks fail

Seoul's city bus workers' union announced a city-wide strike starting Wednesday, following failed wage negotiations with management. The union, representing about 7,000 buses operated by 64 companies on 390 routes, aimed to commence the strike at 4 a.m. on September 16th. The government pledged emergency measures, including 1,500 free shuttle buses and increased subway services during peak hours.

Despite the strike threat, the union vowed to continue talks until midnight. The dispute centers on the calculation of hourly wages, with the union seeking a 7.85% increase based on a 176-hour work month, while companies and the city argued this would equate to a 16% wage hike. Union negotiator Yoo Jae-ho indicated flexibility on the 176-hour standard, but rejected the claim that accepting demands would double the city's annual bus system deficit.