Few disruptions reported on 2nd day of rail workers' strike

By Kim Eun-jung
SEOUL Nov. 6 (Yonhap) -- A strike of unionized rail workers entered its second
day in the Seoul metropolitan area Friday, but no major disruptions were
reported, officials at Korea Railroad (KORAIL) said.
The Korean Railway Workers' Union, which claims about 25,000 members, said
metropolitan rail workers joined the 48-hour walkout that started in central and
non-metropolitan areas a day earlier.
Union leaders said the strike follows disputes with the state-funded company over
pay and working conditions. The union voted to go on strike late last month, with
76.6 percent of members supporting the walkout.
As of late Friday, some subway lines in Seoul and metropolitan areas were delayed
up to 10 minutes, inconveniencing passengers during rush hour, but no serious
disruptions were reported, KORAIL officials said.
While some service from Seoul to non-metropolitan areas was canceled, most
high-speed KTX and passenger trains were operated as normally scheduled, as
emergency supplemental workers remained on duty, they said.
Union officials said negotiations with the state-funded company fell through due
to the latter's refusal to compromise on wage hikes and layoffs of full-time
workers.
The next strike is scheduled for mid-November, and the union will decide on
further strikes depending on how the talks proceed with the management, they
said.
ejkim@yna.co.kr
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