Seoul: Unionized Seoul subway workers announced on Tuesday that they will initiate a full-scale strike on December 6, demanding wage increases and the hiring of additional staff. This decision was revealed during a news conference held by the largest of the three labor unions of Seoul Metro, the entity responsible for operating subway lines 1-8, in front of Seoul City Hall. According to Yonhap News Agency, this impending strike marks the potential third consecutive year of such an action. The announcement has heightened concerns about significant disruptions to railway services. The Korean Railway Workers' Union, which manages subway operations in the capital region and national train services, has also threatened to commence an indefinite general strike early next month. The Seoul Metro union, representing 60 percent of the workforce, stated that its members will begin a labor slowdown and engage in work-to-rule protests starting Wednesday as part of the broader strike plan. Company officials have identifi ed the primary issues at stake as demands for wage and hiring increases. The company has proposed a 2.5 percent pay raise, but the labor union is pushing for a more substantial increase.