Railroad Unions Strikes for 50 Hours Incurred 40 Billion Won Social Damage

By the dramatic agreement between the labor and the government early in the morning, 27th, the Korean Railroad Union (KRU)`s strike for three days ended, causing tremendous economic damages by the delayed freight transportation and the failure in production by the supportive strikes.

In addition, the crippled operation of the railroad continued till yesterday by the delayed return of the unionists to their workshops even after the strike was withdrawn. The Korea Electric Power Industry Union continued negotiation until yesterday afternoon, failing to narrow down the gaps between their opinions.

The Ministry of Construction and Transportation estimated that the total social expenses by the KRU`s strike for 50 hours 40 minutes and the continued crippled operation of the railroad until yesterday reached up to 40 billion won of loss. However, the estimation counted only the transportation sector the total damages calculated by considering the far-reaching effects on the national economy may drastically increase.

The loss of three motor companies, Hyundai-Kia and Ssangyong motors, by the supportive strikes of their unions, was estimated 35.1 billion won (2,060 cars).

The labor and management of the Korean Railroad had a marathon negotiation at the Tripartite Commission office in Yoido until the early morning of 27th and finally reached an agreement at 6:40 AM and Kim Jae-Gil, Chairperson of KRU, announced the withdrawal of the strike.

Chairperson Kim visited the unionists who had been on strike at Konkuk University campus for three days and asked them to return their workshops, explaining the agreements such as the introduction of 2 shifts by 3 groups until 2004 and the preservation of the reduced allowance. The unionists returned their working places by 3:00 PM.

However, by the delayed return of the unionists to their workshops, the operation ratio of the railroad remained at 68 percent in the Capital city and 40 percent for the passenger’s trains. The operation of the subway trains is expected to be normalized by this morning.

Meanwhile, the KEPIU resumed the negotiation with the management yesterday afternoon is still struggling with the discrepancies of their opinions. Thus, the government and the 5 electric power companies are preparing the countermeasures for the prolonged negotiation.

Jin Lee leej@donga.com · Jae-Seong Hwang jsonhng@donga.com