Rail Workers Start 3-Day Strike
13 October, 2019
Unionized railway workers launched a three-day strike on Friday demanding higher pay and hiring of more staff to ensure safety.
The Ministry of Land, Transport and Infrastructure on Thursday promised that 88 percent of metropolitan subways will be operating and 72 percent of the high-speed KTX trains.
But regular trains will only run at a 60 percent rate and cargo trains at 37 percent.
The ministry pledged to mobilize KORAIL staff and military personnel to minimize inconvenience for subway users during rush hour and KTX passengers to maintain normal operating rates.
It will also deploy extra buses as replacement services for commuters while making sure that cargo trains focus on hauling essential goods first.
The railway workers have been demanding higher wages and hiring of more staff to make up for shorter working hours. Union representatives and KORAIL management have met around a dozen times since May without reaching agreement.
TAG(s):