South Korean Taxi Drivers Go on First Nationwide Strike
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South Korean taxi drivers went on their first nationwide strike today, demanding a fare increase and the right to burn diesel amid rising fuel costs.
The 28 percent surge in the past three years in prices for the liquid petroleum gas taxis and a 2,400 won ($2.08) cap on initial fares since 2009 are squeezing drivers’ income, according to Kim Do Gil, a spokesman for the taxi association leading the walkout. The organization has 160,000 members and is coordinating the one-day strike with two other labor unions and an association representing a total of 130,000 drivers.