Unionized bus drivers in Seoul have resolved to strike later this week to demand higher wages that reflect a recent increase in bus fares, the municipal government said Tuesday.

The labor union of Seoul bus drivers called an all-out strike for Friday, after 96.7 percent agreed to the walkout in a vote by 15,482 union members. The union has 16,379 members in total.

The union said it demands a 9.5 percent pay rise for its members following an increase in public transportation fares that took effect in late February. The Seoul municipal government raised fares by 150 won (US$0.13) to 1,050 won for a trip.

The city's bus operator has insisted on a wage freeze, saying it cannot afford a pay rise.

The sides are scheduled to hold their final round of talks over the issue on Wednesday. (Yonhap)