Korea National Railway Ruled Employer of Railway Workers

A decision has been issued recognizing the Korea National Railway (KNR) as the de facto 'employer'—the entity with the authority to determine working conditions—for railway workers. This marks the first such recognition in 22 years since the railway restructuring policy in 2004, opening a path for railway workers to demand direct negotiations with the KNR.

The Korean Railway Workers' Union argued that the KNR exerted substantial influence over working conditions, including the work environment, safety, and facility improvements, through maintenance outsourcing contracts, operating facility usage agreements for stations, track maintenance guidelines, and track allocation rights. Following the 2004 policy separating infrastructure management and operations, the KNR was responsible for facility management while Korea Railroad Corporation (KORAIL) handled operations. However, actual maintenance work was performed by approximately 9,000 KORAIL employees within the guidelines and budget set by the KNR.

The Chungnam Regional Labor Relations Commission accepted the Korean Railway Workers' Union's claims, ruling that the KNR must engage in negotiation procedures with the union. This labor commission's recognition of the KNR as the employer paves the way for the railway union to directly discuss core working conditions with the KNR, such as expanding access and evacuation routes, upgrading rolling stock depots, improving design standards, and track allocation rights.

The possibility of the KNR filing for reconsideration with the National Labor Relations Commission remains, meaning actual negotiations may take time. The railway union urged the KNR to respect the labor commission's decision and immediately commence negotiations, demanding that the KNR, which has denied its employer status and refused negotiations, accept the commission's ruling and approach negotiations with a responsible stance.