Seoul Metro’s main union has reached a collective bargaining agreement with the company's management in last-minute negotiations, averting a strike that had been set to begin with the day’s first trains.

The Seoul Transit Corporation Labor Union and Seoul Metro signed the deal around 6 a.m. Friday.

As late as 5:30 a.m., the time of the first train, the union had warned it would launch a general strike after overnight talks collapsed.

However, after management presented an improved proposal, both sides returned to the negotiating table at around 5:35 a.m. and reached an agreement, prompting the union to call off the strike.

Seoul Metro also reached a deal with its No. 2 union around 6:35 a.m., and the No. 3 union, representing younger employees, is expected to conclude its agreement soon.