The Korean Railway Workers` Union decided to go ahead with a strike planned for Saturday in protest against the government`s move to push legislation of a bill on the reconstruction of the railway business. The Minister of Construction and Transportation Choi Jong-chan on Thursday criticized the union`s move as clearly illegal, reiterating his firm position to deal with the issue based on the law and principles.
The Korea Confederation of Trade Unions of which the Korean Railway Workers` Union is a member, made it clear that it would launch strong demonstrations against the government if it mobilizes the police to deal with the railway workers` strike. This announcement has made it highly likely that the possibility of a direct standoff between labor circles and the government would occur.
In negotiations on Wednesday between union and government representatives, the Korean Railway Workers` Union demanded the maintenance of current pension benefits given to railway workers as well as the government`s takeover of debts in the construction of slated high speed railway construction. The union also demanded a significant role in the operation of railway renovation. Their demands, however, were not accepted by the government.
As a result, the union decided to hold an overnight protest by its high-ranking union members on Thursday at its 150 branches. After the 5000-strong protest on Friday, the union decided to go ahead with the 4 a.m. strike this coming Saturday.
The railway workers` strike would disrupt the running of the nations` railway lines such as the Kyeongbu and Honam lines. Line 1 subway in Seoul and the Ansan, Bundang and Ilsan lines will be also affected by the strike.
If the strike lasts an extended period of time, the frequency of subway trains is forecast to be cut by more than a half.
In preparations for the possible strike, the Construction and Transportation Ministry is planning to put non-union members, students from the Korea National Railroad College and additional workers from other institutions into service for smooth operation of the trains. More subways and buses will run longer hours and taxi drivers will be allowed to work everyday if the strike breaks out.
Defining the strike as illegal, the Ministry will seek criminal penalties for those who will lead and actively participate in the strike and claim damages against the union.
Chief of the policy designing unit Cho Sang-su belonging to the railway workers` union argued that union members were against the government`s restructuring plan as it is directly linked to the benefits and working conditions of union members.