Hospital Labor on Strike

Thirty four domestic hospital labor unions declared massive strikes from May 12.
The health and medical industry labor union under the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions had a press conference at Myongdong Cathedral on May 11 and said, 'From 7 am on May 12, 12,200 union members of 34 hospitals including Seoul National University Hospital will be executing combined strikes until May 20 .'
The government pulled out all active negotiations with the union members. If the strike occurs the government plans to use substitute personnel while penalizing union leaders.
During the press conference, labor maintained, 'So far we have only asked for additional personnel and stability of employment, but the hospital management side only gave us layoffs and wage freezes, which means the strike is inevitable.'
However, emergency, surgery and critical patient care will be staffed to minimize patients' inconvenience.
Hwashik Bong : trojans@joongang.co.kr