The South Korean railroad strike of 2006 was a four-day walkout by members of the Korea Railway Workers' Union employed by the Korean National Railroad. It lasted from March 1 to March 4, when most of the workers voluntarily returned to work. During the strike, Korail's passenger service was decreased by 60%, on both national and Seoul Subway lines. Freight service was also greatly reduced.
The principal issue, which was not resolved during the strike, was Korail's replacement of regular long-term positions with short-term contract positions. The strike was declared illegal by the government after emergency arbitration was imposed, and at least 411 strikers were imprisoned.
The female KTX attendants' union, whose members are not employed by Korail but by a subcontractor, continued their walkout.
Famous quotes containing the words south, railroad and/or strike:
“Indeed, I believe that in the future, when we shall have seized again, as we will seize if we are true to ourselves, our own fair part of commerce upon the sea, and when we shall have again our appropriate share of South American trade, that these railroads from St. Louis, touching deep harbors on the gulf, and communicating there with lines of steamships, shall touch the ports of South America and bring their tribute to you.”
—Benjamin Harrison (1833–1901)
“I was the conductor of the Underground Railroad for eight years, and I can say what most conductors can’t say—I never ran my train off the track and I never lost a passenger.”
—Harriet Tubman (1821–1913)
“At any street corner the feeling of absurdity can strike any man in the face.”
—Albert Camus (1913–1960)