Seoul: The main labor union of Seoul Metro, which operates subway lines 1 to 8, announced on Monday that its members have voted in favor of initiating a strike. This decision aims to press for increased wages and an expanded workforce. According to Yonhap News Agency, the union conducted a vote from Friday through Monday, with 7,862 out of 9,450 members participating, marking an 83.2 percent turnout. Of these participants, 5,547 members, or 70.55 percent, voted in favor of the strike action. Despite numerous negotiation attempts between the union and management throughout late October, no agreement was reached concerning pay adjustments and hiring policies. The union has indicated that unless a resolution is attained during a mediation session conducted by a government labor commission, it will proceed to outline specific strike plans at a press conference scheduled for Tuesday in front of City Hall. Seoul Metro has proposed a 2.5 percent pay increase for the coming year; however, the union is advocating fo r a higher pay rate and a significant increase in new staff recruitment.