Railway strikes in Korea may affect shipments of cement and coal

According to local news, the rail worker’s union strike in Seoul, Korea, has resulted in transportation disruptions for materials such as coal and cement. The strike occurred due to a conflict between management and workers over plans for a new affiliate of Korea Railroad Corporation, which could be a move towards privatizing the state owned company. Manufacturers and construction companies have seen losses due to the disruptions.

According to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, 33% of cement shipments and 80% of coal shipments are transported through railway. The Ministry has reported that 3000 t of coal, which was due to be transported to two cement plants in Yeongwol and Danyang, has been delayed due to the lack of freight train operators as a result of the strike. Cargo trucks were used, at the expense of the cement plants, to deliver the coal.

According to the Ministry, cement companies and power generators have sufficient coal supplies for a few days but emergency measures will need to be implemented if the labour stoppage continues.

Edited from various sources by Rosalie Starling

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