Kim Ki-tae, head of Korean Railway Workers' Union, has been arrested for leading an illegal strike waged by Korean Railroad (Korail)'s labor union.

Judge Kim Hyung-doo of the Seoul Central District Court, who issued the warrants at the request of prosecutors, said, "Kim's arrest was necessary because he is apparently very likely to destroy concerned evidence and flee."

Kim called off the strike on Dec. 3, and turned himself into a police station of Dec. 9. Kim had been on the police's wanted list.

Korail's unionized workers launched a strike Nov. 26 to thwart the management's attempt to shed jobs and cut wages as part of restructuring steps. The company said the union's action has dealt severe damage to the company, estimated at over 20 billion won.

Even while under arrest, Kim was quoted as saying, "If the government and management continue to provoke the union, we will stage a stronger struggle."

pss@koreatimes.co.kr