South Korean state railway workers have ended a two-day strike after overnight negotiations with management, but separate talks continue to halt a walkout by electricity workers.

Railway employees agreed to return to work after reaching a compromise with management, which promised to try to shorten work hours and provide some new financial benefits. However, a government privatization plan -- a key reason for the strike -- remains unchanged.

Both rail and electricity workers began their strike Monday, demanding the government reduce the work week to five days and that it cancel the privatization plan. They fear the plan could lead to huge layoffs.

The rail strike caused delays in train service throughout the country. Thousands of workers from South Korea's two largest car makers, Hyundai and Kia, staged a half-day work stoppage on Tuesday to show solidarity with the rail and power employees, who are prohibited by law from striking.

Some information for this report provided by AP and AFP.

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