Railway workers in Korea have started an indefinite strike, demanding better pay and working conditions.<br />Some passengers have already been inconvenienced by delays and cancellations.<br />Our Kim Jae-hee has the latest.<br />The Korean Railway Workers' Union went on an indefinite strike as of 9 AM Wednesday.<br />Substitute workers were in place to operate high-speed KTX and commuter trains,... but passengers are already being affected. <br />KTX trains are expected to run at around 69 percent of usual levels,... SRT trains will run at around 78 percent.<br />Commuter trains are expected to operate at some 60 percent and freight trains 31 percent. <br />During off-peak hours, subways in Seoul are expected to run at about 82 percent of usual levels.<br />Korean Railway Workers' Union on first indefinite strike in three years<br />This is the union's first indefinite strike in three years.<br />There was transport chaos in South Korea in late 2016 when they walked off the job for 74 days. <br />The union and KORAIL have held numerous talks since May, but couldn't narrow their differences.<br />KORAIL workers and management last held talks on Tuesday, but again failed to reach a compromise on wages and employee numbers. <br />"The union workers are currently demanding a four percent increase in basic salary, and an additional four-thousand-and-six-hundred workers."<br />KORAIL has been operating a 24-hour emergency transportation unit since Monday.<br />The CEO of KORAIL, Son Byung-seok said on Wednesday that KORAIL will do best to ensure passenger safety,… and resolve the issue with the union through dialogue.<br />Transport Ministry to mobilize alternative means of transportation<br />The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport has also mobilized alternative means of transportation in consultation with bus operators and provincial offices.<br />Messages were sent to customers who have booked trains that have been canceled as a result of the strike. <br />Affected customers will get a full refund on the price of their train ticket.<br />Kim Jae-hee, Arirang News. <br />
