(LEAD) Subway workers threaten to go on strike as planned

Written by Meenaa on Monday, November 17th, 2008

SEOUL, Nov. 17 (Yonhap) — Unionized subway workers said their strike planned for later this week appears inevitable, accusing their employers of hostility.

“Unless the company changes its insincere and hostile attitude toward the union, the strike will be inevitable,” the 9,300-strong union said ahead of the strike set for Thursday to protest restructuring announced by Seoul Metro, a public corporation that runs Seoul subway lines one through four.

“The restructuring plan destabilizes the country’s employment conditions and threatens the safety of the passengers,” it said in a statement.

The subway operator has been pushing since January to cut jobs by 20 percent and to allow private firms to operate some subway stations in a bid to streamline its business operations.

Kim Sang-don, head of Seoul Metro, warned earlier Monday that strong measures will be taken against those who take part in the strike.

“Going on strike at a time of economic trouble in and out of the country is a case of NIMBY (not in my back yard) behavior,” said Kim, criticizing the union’s actions.

The expected strike by unionized subway workers will not affect operations in Seoul, Kim added.

“We will do our best to maintain normal operations even if we fail to reach an agreement,” said Kim.

ygkim@yna.co.kr