ANN/THE KOREA HERALD – Concerns over a potential nationwide rail disruption have intensified as South Korea’s unionised rail workers announced an indefinite general strike starting December 5 to demand higher wages and a larger workforce.
If the strike proceeds, it could disrupt high-speed KTX and regular train services across the country, as well as subway operations in the capital region, including Lines 1, 3, 4, and the Suin-Bundang Line.The Korean Railway Workers’ Union, representing employees of the state-run Korea Railroad Corp (Korail), has been staging a work-to-rule protest since Monday, adhering strictly to contractual obligations.
The union said in front of Seoul Station that its members will launch an indefinite full-scale walkout starting December 5 if there is no change in the attitudes of the government and their employer, Korea Railroad Corp, which could be the first such strike since September last year.
“The general strike will be an inevitable choice. The struggle of railway workers to ensure the safety of citizens and trains and the recognition of their fair labour is justified,” the union said.
The unionised workers continue to demand a base salary increase of 2.5 per cent, hiring additional personnel to address severe understaffing, and transitioning to a four-team, two-shift work system to prevent consecutive night shifts. They are also advocating for a fair promotion system.
The union said in a press release that the Finance Ministry is pushing to cut the number of Korail employees by 1,566 positions despite ongoing staff shortages, which would worsen workloads, conditions and safety for both workers and passengers. The national railway operator, however, said it has “no plans yet” to downsize.
The planned walkout is expected to cause widespread rail service disruptions nationwide, as the labour union representing Seoul Metro workers – responsible for operating subway Line Nos 1 through 8 – has already announced a full-scale strike set for December 6.
