15 May 2019 | 09:43 AM UTC
South Korea: Nationwide bus driver strike called off May 15 /update 1
Nationwide bus drivers’ strike has been called off as of May 15 following successful negotiations with the government; residual disruptions possible
Event
Bus drivers in several cities across the country have called off a strike initially scheduled for Wednesday, May 15, following successful negotiations with the government over increased salaries and benefits. In Gyeonggi Province, labor representatives agreed to postpone the strike and extend the wage agreement's deadline to Wednesday, May 29. Lingering transportation disruptions are possible across the country on May 15.
Context
The South Korean government enacted a mandatory 52-hour workweek limit, down from the previous limit of 68 hours, in 2018 and gave the bus industry until July 2019 to implement the changes. Bus drivers are protesting a loss in wages due to decreased hours and bus companies are calling for local and central governments to compensate for the wage differences.
Advice
Individuals in South Korea are advised to monitor the situation and allow for extra time to reach their destinations.
