The Korean Railway Workers Union called on its members to strike in demand for better work conditions. According to Kuehne+Nagel sources, the union plans for two separate strikes as follows:
- First strike: at 09:00 am, from 14 – 18 September
- Second strike: at 9:00 am, from 21 – 25 September
In a news report published today, The Korea Herald revealed that the union demands "expansion of public railroads and the full implementation of a four-group, two-shift schedule."
After the announcement, South Korean Labour Minister Lee Jeong-sik urged the union to cancel the strikes in an attempt to revert transportation and logistics turmoil.
According to the Korean Times, the minister said, "At a critical time when everyone must join forces in the face of unfavourable economic conditions, the railway workers' union is raising public concern by sticking to its own demands alone."
Kuehne+Nagel warns that passenger trains and freight trains will be reduced by about 20 to 60 per cent during the strikes, raising concerns about inconvenience to users and disruption of business in the industry. As an alternative to the rail strike, KN Korea will prepare additional truckers with vendors to ensure transportation without disruption and delay in shipment.
