Seoul city bus workers and management entered last-minute negotiations on the eve of a planned strike, but the talks broke down. The union will launch a full strike starting at 4 a.m. Wednesday as scheduled.
The two sides held a second mediation session at the Seoul Regional Labor Relations Commission in Yeongdeungpo-gu beginning at 2 p.m. Tuesday. After eight hours of negotiations, they failed to reach an agreement, and mediation collapsed at around 10 p.m.
About 7,000 city buses operate across more than 390 routes run by 64 companies in Seoul.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government said it will deploy up to 1,500 free shuttle buses — charter buses connecting subway stations and other key points — and increase subway frequency during rush hours as part of its emergency transport measures.
betterj@heraldcorp.com
