Their union, affiliated with the Korean Automobile Workers' Federation, met with the city's bus operators for another round of talks at 2 p.m. and again threatened to strike if no agreement is reached by 9 p.m.
If the two sides fail to reach a breakthrough in their talks, it would be Seoul's second major bus strike this year, following a two-day walkout in January.
The most contentious issue in their dispute is what criteria should be used to determine the monthly hours for calculating wages. The union is demanding that 176 hours be used as the monthly basis, citing a 2024 Supreme Court ruling in a case involving Dong-A Transportation.
But the operators disagree, proposing 209 hours instead, with any differences to be settled later because part of disputes in the case including whether bonuses should be included in ordinary wages were referred to a lower court the following year and remain pending.
They proposed a 10.32-percent wage increase including bonuses, while sticking to the 209-hour basis, arguing that similar agreements have been reached with drivers in Busan, Daegu, Incheon and Ulsan.
But the union is seeking about 295.3 billion won (US$217 million) in unpaid wages including interest, which it claims stemmed from the disputed monthly-hour calculation, as well as a separate 7.85 percent increase in hourly wages.
Meanwhile, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon urged both sides to reach a deal, warning that a strike would hit elderly residents, people with limited mobility and those living in areas with fewer public transportation options especially hard.
To minimize possible disruptions, the Seoul Metropolitan Government plans to provide up to 1,500 free shuttle buses and run additional subway trains until 2 a.m. Public bicycles will also be available to help ease inconvenience.
During the strike in January, the two sides agreed to a 2.9 percent wage hike but left the issue of how to calculate wages based on monthly working hours unresolved.
AJP Takeaways
- Seoul bus drivers are in last-ditch wage talks Tuesday to avert a strike that could halt all bus services from the first buses Wednesday.
- The main dispute is over the monthly hours used to calculate wages, with the union seeking a 176-hour basis and operators proposing 209 hours.
- Seoul is preparing emergency transportation measures, including up to 1,500 free shuttle buses and additional subway service until 2 a.m., if a strike goes ahead.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.
