Korean Job Discussion Forums

[wylies99]

Subway Union Plans to Strike on Nov. 20
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2008/11/117_34359.html

By Kim Tae-jong
Staff Reporter

The trade union of Seoul Metro Thursday said it will go on a strike on Nov. 20 to protest management's massive layoff plan.

``Management has shown no signs of accepting our demands,'' a union member said at a news conference. ``The layoff will result in jeopardizing the safety of passengers due to the lack of necessary staff members.''

The walkout decision came after the operator of subway lines 1 to 4 and its employees failed to reconcile differences on the layoff plan in the final negotiation.

The union initially decided to go on a strike on Sept. 26, as 74 percent of union members voted for the walkout. But they suddenly postponed it at the last minute to participate in an extra negotiation. Since then they've held a series of talks but failed to narrow differences on restructuring.

``We could have several more rounds of talks. If there is no progress, we will strike at 4 a.m. on Nov. 20 as planned,'' the union member said.

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[man_of_words]

When was the last time this happened? I'm kind of new.

[T-J]

It happens almost every year or two. It never really effects service too much, unless you travel during peak rush hour times.

They have enough personnel to cover with fewer trains running, so it's not like the whole city comes to a screeching halt. During rush hour the normally crowded trains are really crowded as a result of fewer cars but that is about it.