Korea`s railway union goes on strike

Korea`s railway union went on a 48-hour strike as of 9 a.m. Thursday after negotiations between the union and railway officials over working conditions and benefits collapsed, Yonhp News reported.

The Korean Railway Workers` Union, which claims a membership of some 25,000, said the walkout would start in the central city of Daejeon and other non-metropolitan areas before moving to major metropolitan areas on Friday at 9 a.m.

Union officials said negotiations with the state-funded Korea Railroad (KORAIL) fell through due to the latter`s refusal to compromise on wage hikes and downsizing of full-time workers.

Union members voted to go on strike late last month, with 76.6 percent supporting the walkout.

Only 60 percent of the normal workforce was manning local train and metropolitan subway services, but replacement staff were set to be mobilized incrementally, transportation authorities said.

"We will make utmost efforts to minimize passengers` inconvenience and take stern action against illegal activities," a KORAIL official said.