Buses back running in Seoul after strike ends

City buses operate normally at Seoul Station Bus Transfer Center after a wage agreement between labor and management led to the suspension of a strike. Jan. 15, 2026 AJP Yoo Na-hyun

SEOUL, January 15 (AJP) -After two days of disruption, Seoul commuters were relieved to find buses back in service Thursday morning following an overnight wage deal.

The Seoul City Bus Labor Union and the Seoul City Bus Transport Operators Association accepted a mediation proposal at around 11:50 p.m. during a second post-adjustment meeting hosted by the Seoul Labor Relations Commission.

Under the agreement, wages for 2025 will rise by 2.9 percent, while the retirement age will be extended from 63 to 64 starting in July, and further raised to 65 in July 2027. Reform of the wage system to reflect ordinary wages was excluded from the deal.

Following the agreement, the union called off the strike, and the Seoul Metropolitan Government lifted emergency transportation measures, restoring bus operations across the capital.

City buses operate normally at Seoul Station Bus Transfer Center after a wage agreement between labor and management led to the suspension of a strike. Jan. 15, 2026 AJP Yoo Na-hyun

Citizens board city buses in Seoul after a wage agreement between labor and management led to the suspension of a strike. on Jan. 15. 2026. AJP Yoo Na-hyun

City buses run near a bus stop in the Gwanghwamun area of central Seoul following a wage deal between labor and management that ended a strike. on Jan. 15, 2026. AJP Yoo Na-hyun

City buses run near a bus stop in the Gwanghwamun area of central Seoul following a wage deal between labor and management that ended a strike. on Jan. 15, 2026 AJP Yoo Na-hyun

Yoo Na-hyun Reporter shooting@ajupress.com

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