Unionized railway workers gathered outside Seoul Station on Thursday, November 21, for a press conference to announce significant labor actions moving forward. Yonhap
In a bold move to advocate for fair compensation and a larger workforce, unionized railway workers have declared their intent to initiate an indefinite general strike starting December 5.
If carried out, this strike by the Korean Railway Workers‘ Union (KRWU) is anticipated to create widespread disruption, impacting high-speed KTX services, regional trains across the nation, and subway operations in the densely populated capital area of Seoul.
Since Monday, the union has engaged in a “slowdown strike”, which has already started to affect commute times for countless passengers relying on public transportation.
The KRWU made it clear during a morning news conference at Seoul Station that a full-scale walkout will commence on December 5 unless there are significant changes in the approaches of both the government and their employer, Korea Railroad (KORAIL).
In their statement, the union emphasized that “the general strike will be an inevitable choice. The struggle of railway workers to ensure the safety of citizens and trains, as well as the recognition of their fair labor, is justified.”
Additionally, the planned strike is expected to compound the situation as unionized Seoul subway workers have already indicated their intention to start a full-scale strike on December 6, also demanding wage increases and new staff hiring.
As the KRWU’s “work-to-rule” protest marks its fourth day, commuters are experiencing noticeable delays in both subway and commuter train services throughout the capital area.
What are the primary concerns of the Korean Railway Workers’ Union (KRWU) that led to the decision to strike on December 5, and how do these relate to worker safety and compensation issues?
**Interview with a Representative from the Korean Railway Workers’ Union (KRWU)**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today. Can you start by explaining the main reasons behind the KRWU’s decision to initiate an indefinite general strike starting December 5?
**KRWU Representative:** Thank you for having me. The main reasons for our decision are centered around the need for fair compensation and the urgent requirement for a larger workforce. Our members have been facing increasing workloads and safety concerns, and we believe that adequate staffing and fair wages are essential not only for our rights as workers but also for the safety of the passengers we serve.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned safety concerns. How do you think the strike will impact train services and, ultimately, the safety of passengers?
**KRWU Representative:** If we proceed with the strike, we anticipate significant disruptions, especially for high-speed KTX services and regional trains. However, this is a critical action aimed at drawing attention to the deteriorating working conditions that directly affect our ability to ensure safe and efficient services. By raising these issues, we hope to compel the government and KORAIL to address our demands seriously before it reaches a crisis point.
**Interviewer:** You’ve already begun a “slowdown strike.” What changes have you seen in terms of public response or government actions since then?
**KRWU Representative:** The slowdown has already resulted in noticeable delays for commuters, which reflects our members’ solidarity and the serious nature of our demands. Public response has been mixed; many commuters understand our plight, while others are frustrated with the delays. This tension highlights the urgency for KORAIL and the government to take our demands seriously.
**Interviewer:** What are your expectations from the government and KORAIL leading up to December 5?
**KRWU Representative:** We want to see constructive dialog and concrete action. We are hopeful that they will recognise the legitimacy of our demands and begin negotiations that can lead to real solutions. If nothing changes, the strike will be our only viable option to push for better working conditions and fair treatment.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, as a broader question for our readers, how do you think public sentiment should shape labor actions like yours? Should the public prioritize labor rights over potential service disruptions?
**KRWU Representative:** That’s a crucial debate. While we understand the inconveniences that strikes can cause, we believe that labor rights are fundamental to a functioning society. If our rights and safety are neglected, the quality of service ultimately suffers. It’s essential for the public to recognise that our struggle is also about ensuring their safety and better service in the long run.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights and for shedding light on this important issue.
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**Debate Question for Readers:** Considering the potential disruptions caused by the planned railway strikes in Seoul, do you believe that the demands for fair labor practices and better working conditions should take precedence over the immediate inconveniences faced by commuters? What are your thoughts on balancing labor rights and public service needs?
