Railway Union to Strike on the 14th... 30-40% Service Reduction Expected in Gangwon-do

"Alternative Transportation Options Not Considered"

The Korea Railroad Workers' Union (Railroad Union) has announced a general strike starting from the 14th. Local governments, including Gangwon Province, have begun preparing countermeasures.

According to Gangwon Province on the 13th, if the Railroad Union initiates the strike, it is expected that railway operations within the province will be reduced by 30 to 40%.

The KTX Gangneung Line between Seoul and Gangneung is expected to decrease from 28 trips per day to 18, and the ITX-Cheongchun from 36 trips to 22.

The province has judged that it is not yet the stage to deploy alternative transportation or operate a countermeasure situation room. They have decided to monitor the situation for now.

On the morning of the 13th, one day before the first general strike announced by the National Railroad Workers' Union, a cement transport train is stopped at Obong Station in Uiwang-si, Gyeonggi-do. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Even if the union starts the strike, since the railway occupancy rate is not high, they plan to urge people to use intercity buses or express buses.

Although freight such as coal or cement from Donghae Port is transported by rail, Gangwon Province expects little impact due to low usage.

A provincial official said, "Even if the union goes on strike, we will not immediately deploy alternative transportation but will first guide people to use intercity or express buses. We will monitor the situation and respond accordingly."