The Korean Railway Workers' Union demands improved pay and working conditions and an expansion of the KTX bullet train services to include lucrative routes such as in southern Seoul.
Company chief Han Moon-hee criticised the strike as "illegitimate" and urged the workers to return to work.
Labor Minister Lee Jeong-sik on Wednesday also called for the union to cancel the planned strike, citing an economic impact and public inconvenience.
According to the Korea Cement Association, rail accounts for 40% of cement transportation, and if the strike lengthens, the reduced ability to deliver could affect firms' profitability during the fall's peak building season.
If the strike lengthens, we will have to convert to land transportation, which will drive up costs and hit profitability," the official said.
Persons:
Hyonhee Shin, Joyce Lee SEOUL, KORAIL, Han, Lee Jeong, sik, it's, Stephen Coates
Organizations:
Korean Railway Workers, Union, Korea Railroad Corp, Company, Labor, Korea Cement Association
Locations:
Seoul