Seoul: The unions of Seoul Metro, overseeing subway lines 1-8, initiated a slowdown protest on Monday following unsuccessful wage hike negotiations.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the "work-to-rule" protest by two of Seoul Metro's three unions, representing three-quarters of the workforce, resulted in minor train delays at some stations but did not significantly disrupt commuters. The protest involved ensuring longer stop times than usual and refraining from work not mandated by regulations.

Unions 1 and 2, comprising 9,036 and 2,577 members respectively, are demanding a 3 percent pay increase, a halt to manpower reduction, and an expansion in hiring. In contrast, management has proposed a 1.8 percent wage increase, citing financial difficulties.

Unions 1 and 3 have indicated plans for a general strike starting December 12 if no improved offer is made by management and the Seoul city government. Meanwhile, Union 2 is considering a general strike later this month. Union 3 consists of 1,988 members.

Seoul Metro reported no major train delays on Monday morning, though congestion is anticipated to rise during peak commute hours due to the labor action. Commuters at busy Line 2 stations, such as Sindorim and Gangnam, noted usual crowd levels during morning rush hours.

At Yeouido Station on Line 5, some train departures faced delays around 8 a.m. as stoppage times extended beyond the usual 30 seconds, reaching over 50 seconds.