South Korea's state-controlled power company says it plans to fire nearly 50 union leaders accused of organizing an illegal strike, now in its second week.

Thousands of workers for state railways and power companies went on strike last Monday, demanding shorter working hours, higher pay and an end to government plans to privatize their industries. The government reached an agreement with rail and gas-company workers on economic issues, but says its privatization plans are non-negotiable.

Workers for the state-controlled Korea Electric Power Corporation say they are continuing the strike because privatization of their company probably would mean massive layoffs.

Strikes by public-sector workers are banned in South Korea.

Some information for this report provided by Reuters and AP.

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