Seoul’s city buses ground to a halt at the start of service after the Seoul City Bus Workers Union launched an all-day, indefinite strike at 4:00 a.m., following the collapse of last‑minute wage talks. The mediation committee reportedly offered a 0.5 percent wage increase, which union leaders rejected as tantamount to a freeze. Union leaders argued that any retroactive redefinition of ordinary wages should be excluded from the present negotiations. Officials said shuttle-bus timetables and pickup points would be posted on the Seoul City Hall website. The strike’s timing—during an intense cold wave—heightens risks for commuters, elderly residents and outdoor workers who depend on reliable daytime transit.

Source: thestar January 13, 2026 06:07 UTC