[사회][디지털리포트] Concerns about traffic congestion during the year-end and New Year holidays… Will the railroad union go on a general strike even in the subway?

The National Railroad Workers’ Union began work slowdown on the 18th, demanding additional staffing, switching to a 4-team, 2-shift work system, and a 2.5% increase in basic pay.

The trains experiencing operational disruptions include some sections of Seoul Metropolitan Subway Lines 1, 3, and 4 and the Suin-Bundang Line.

The reason they engage in work slowdown is because there is a large difference of opinion between labor and management regarding labor standards.

The railway union claimed, “Despite the severe shortage of manpower at KORAIL, the Ministry of Strategy and Finance is pushing to reduce the number of employees by 1,566, and KORAIL is choosing risky outsourcing of work.”

The union argued that minimum safety issues should not be handed over to the private sector. On the other hand, the company claimed that it was considering various issues related to overall management.

If these provisions are not implemented, the union plans to hold a press conference announcing a general strike on the 21st and hold an indefinite general strike early next month.

KORAIL’s tally showed that the railroad union had been sabotaging work more than once a year for a total of 170 days over the four years from 2019 to last year.

In addition, the union of the Seoul Transportation Corporation, which operates Seoul Subway Lines 1 to 8, also announced that it would go on a general strike on the 6th of next month. A press conference was held this morning about specific plans for a general strike.

The union cites workforce restructuring and wage increase rates as the reasons for the collapse of wages and collective agreements.

At the same time, they called for the withdrawal of restructuring, normalization of human resources management, discontinuation of the introduction of the one-person crew system, prevention of industrial accidents and establishment of fundamental measures, and resolution of the issue of unfair wage cuts.

The union’s strike vote was passed with 71% of the vote, securing the legal right to strike.

Accordingly, the union decided to take collective action starting on the 20th, such as operating in compliance with the law, complying with the two-person team work stipulated in the law and company regulations, and refusing to work other than inspections stipulated in the regulations.

The union set a 15-day period before and after signing the essential maintenance agreement as the Maginot Line for dialogue, and announced that it would go on a general strike on December 6 if the corporation does not change its position by then.

If the strike becomes a reality, it will be the third consecutive strike and will coincide with the indefinite general strike announced by the Korea Railroad Workers’ Union early next month.

Citizens’ concerns about traffic congestion in the metropolitan area are also growing ahead of the year-end and New Year holidays.

In response to this, the corporation stated that it would do its best to negotiate as much time as there is before the strike to avoid any inconvenience to citizens.

General Manager: Park In-sik (ispark@ytn.co.kr)
Produced by: Sujin Lee (tnwlss225@ytn.co.kr)

[저작권자(c) YTN 무단전재, 재배포 및 AI 데이터 활용 금지]

1. Could you tell us‍ more about the current labor‌ disputes within ‌the National Railroad ‍Workers’ Union and KORAIL regarding staffing and pay ‍rates? How have these issues impacted employee morale and job performance?

2. What specific measures are being proposed by the⁣ union to⁢ address their concerns about staffing and ⁤outsourcing of work? How⁣ do you think these proposals would affect⁢ the efficiency and safety of the rail system?

3.‌ On the other hand, what are the reasons behind KORAIL’s efforts to reduce the number of employees and restructure operations?⁤ Do you think there are alternative solutions to addressing the financial concerns while also maintaining labor standards?

4. Both the National Railroad Workers’ Union and the Seoul Transportation Corporation have announced⁢ upcoming strikes. How do you​ think the potential simultaneous strikes could ⁢affect the commute ​for citizens, particularly during the‌ busy year-end and New Year holidays?

5. What steps can be taken to prevent any further disruptions to the rail system and find a mutually beneficial solution for both labor unions and management? Is there a need for government intervention or mediation in this situation?

6. considering​ the ongoing pandemic and its impact on public transportation usage, how do ‌you think the rail system can adapt to changing demands and maintain its relevance‌ as a popular mode of transportation among⁤ citizens?