Gov't to limit fallout of planned railway workers' strike

SEOUL, Nov. 17 (Yonhap) -- The government said Monday that it has established a
contingency plan to reduce any inconvenience caused by the planned walkout of
railway workers this week.
The measures call for the use of non-union workers to maintain normal commuter
train and subway operations during the morning rush hour, while cutting operation
to 80 percent in the evening, the Ministry of Land, Transport and Maritime
Affairs said.
It said that in non-rush hour periods, only half of all scheduled train services
will be provided to reflect the inadequate number of workers.
Korea Railroad Corp. (KORAIL) operates both inter-city and some subway lines
linking metropolitan areas like Seoul with surrounding satellite cities.
It then said schedules for KTX high-speed trains, as well as those for other
passenger rail services, will be maintained at 50-60 percent of normal capacity
over the weekends, with every effort made to maintain steady operations for
freight cars.
Unionized workers at KORAIL warned they will go on strike as of 9 a.m. on
Thursday unless management rehires 47 workers who were fired in 2003. They have
also called for enhancing the public service aspects of the country's rail
system.
The ministry then said that to divert traffic away from rail services, it will
increase the number of buses and taxis.
Officials, meanwhile, stressed that while they are willing to talk with workers,
any illegal action will be dealt with in accordance of the law.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
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