KT labor union to strike if privatization goes ahead

The Korea Telecom (KT) labor union said Sunday that union members will strike if the company refuses to withdraw its privatization and forced retirement plans by 9:00 a.m. Monday.

Labor union officials and an estimated 500 union members from 10 regional headquarters passed the resolution on Sunday at an emergency meeting at Seoul Station.

In event of a strike, telephone and Internet services provided through the company's fixed line and wireless network, together with leased line services, would be severely impaired.

A strike vote was held on Dec. 7 by the KT labor union and unless the company's position toward privatization and restructuring changes, officials said a strike would take place.

Experts said a KT strike would be the largest since the massive personnel cuts were implemented in 1995.

Support for the proposed strike was weak, with only 61.2 percent of members voting for it. Some speculate that the strike may be in doubt because so few unionists are prepared to participate.

Jung Wi-Yong viyonz@donga.com