Railway Union to Begin Indefinite Strike from the 5th of Next Month: "An Inevitable Choice"

The Korea Railroad Workers' Union (KRWU), which is currently engaged in a lawful struggle demanding wage increases and workforce reinforcement, has announced an indefinite general strike.

Participants hold placards at the press conference announcing the nationwide railway workers' union's December general strike held in front of Seoul Station on the 21st. Photo by Yonhap News

On the 21st, the KRWU held a press conference in front of Seoul Station in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, stating, "There has been no change in the government's and the railroad corporation's stance," and announced, "We will commence an indefinite general strike starting December 5."

They asserted, "The December general strike is an unavoidable choice," and added, "The struggle of railroad workers to ensure the safety of citizens and trains and to gain recognition for rightful labor is justified."

Choi Myung-ho, chairman of the KRWU, said, "The union's demands include equal treatment with other public enterprises, a base wage increase according to government standards, implementation of labor-management agreements, and reinforcement of personnel necessary for operating new lines." He emphasized, "We demand rectification of the reality where two workers die annually on the job since 2005, and equal treatment with other public sector workers. Dangerous outsourcing of safety and workforce reductions must stop."

The union is demanding ▲ a 2.5% increase in base pay ▲ performance bonuses based on the same standards as other public institutions ▲ cessation of outsourcing and workforce reductions ▲ reinforcement of safety personnel ▲ approval of the 4-shift, 2-team system ▲ suspension of the implementation of driver cabin surveillance cameras.

Meanwhile, starting with today's press conference, the KRWU plans to hold nighttime general meetings by district in major station plazas nationwide from the 25th to the 28th, and on the 26th, a joint strike and joint struggle press conference with the Public Transport Union is also scheduled.