Ulsan City announces emergency measures ahead of bus strike

Ulsan Metropolitan City has announced emergency transportation measures in response to an imminent city bus strike. Following a wage negotiation breakdown, the bus workers' union held a vote where 95.7% of participants supported a strike, which is scheduled to begin with the first bus service on August 28.

The strike is expected to halt 108 bus routes and 709 vehicles. To mitigate the impact on citizens, the city plans to deploy 100 chartered buses to cover 35 key routes, including major commuter and long-distance lines. While branch, village, and small-scale buses (79 routes, 171 vehicles) will continue to operate normally, the city is urging companies to expand commuter bus use and schools to adjust arrival and departure times.

Ulsan Mayor Kim Sang-wook has appealed for the union to refrain from striking, emphasizing that the city has already proposed maximum financial support within legal limits. The city has pledged additional support to cover operational losses and address accumulated unpaid retirement funds. Mayor Kim also highlighted the need for a transportation corporation to resolve structural issues within the city's private-sector-led public transport system.