Labor Minister "Calls for Withdrawal of Plan for Joint Strike of Public Transport Workers' Union"

Employment and Labor Minister Kim Moon-soo urged the government to withdraw its strike plan in connection with a series of announcements of a strike by the labor community.

Minister Kim said at an emergency inspection meeting of major organizations held at the Seoul Employment and Labor Office today that the joint strike, which the public transport union foresaw as a hostage to the economy and daily life, cannot be sympathized with the public.

He then stressed that no matter how legitimate the union claims to be exercising its rights, acts that cause inconvenience and anxiety to the public cannot be justified, and that it should withdraw the strike and show responsibility for resolving the problem through dialogue.

In addition, the government also said it will minimize damage to the national economy and daily life on the basis of the rule of law, and respond strictly to illegal activities with the principle of zero tolerance regardless of labor and management.

Earlier, labor unions at four workplaces under the public transport union, including the railway union, announced plans for a joint strike and a joint struggle that will begin a strike on the 5th and 6th of next month.