AP
Thousands of striking South Korean workers rally in Seoul

Thousands of South Korean state workers went on strike Monday, demanding a five-day work week and cancellation of a government privatization plan that could lead to job losses.

The walkout by railroad, gas and electricity workers began after all-night negotiations broke down between union leaders and management. However, gas workers subsequently agreed to end their strike and resume talks with management.

The government has ruled the walkout illegal, and prosecutors have issued arrest warrants for 37 union leaders. Strikers say the protest will continue until their demands are met.

The railroad and utility employees are demanding a five-day work week, without pay cuts. Workers in South Korea currently work five-and-one-half days a week. They also are asking the government to cancel a privatization plan for three state-run corporations, to prevent mass layoffs.

The strike is supported by the two umbrella union groups, the Federation of Korean Trade Unions and the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions.

The government has mobilized non-union members and other replacement workers to keep gas and power supplies normal. About 100,000 industrial workers plan to join the strike on Tuesday.

Some information for this report provided by AP and Reuters.

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