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General Strike in Korean railway

The 25,000-strong Korean Railway Workers Union held a two-day strike in February over privatisation, working hours, safety and the sacking of union leaders. It was part of a broader public sector strike, including electricity.

The rail and power unions called off the strike on February 27, after a 20 hour marathon negotiation.

While the government claimed it did not back down, it put the privatisation program on hold.

The Korea National Railroad agreed to cut working hours without a cut in pay or staff. They deferred talks to reinstate dismissed union activists.

Prosecutors have issued warrants for the arrest of 36 rail and power union leaders, alleging that the strike was illegal. KRWU President Kim Jae-Gil said he would answer the summons.

The KRWU is an ITF affiliate, and the Rail Tram & Bus Union sent protest messages to the Korean government, and a solidarity message to the union at the start of the strike.