Busan Metro labor talks remain deadlocked after 17 rounds of bargaining, with the subway union warning that it could launch a full strike on October 22 if negotiations do not make meaningful progress. The dispute has sharpened over how many additional workers are needed for the Yangsan Line extension, which is due to open in December, according to Kyunghyang Shinmun.
For riders, the key point is that no strike is under way now and the October 22 action remains conditional on the talks failing. The warning nevertheless creates a clear timetable for the dispute and gives the city, operator and union about a month to narrow their differences. Staffing for a new rail segment affects both operating costs and the unionโs argument about workload and safe service once the extension begins carrying passengers.