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."

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Railway union leader detained over illegal strike

Yonhap News Agency: 2009/12/13

SEOUL, Dec. 13 (Yonhap) -- Police took the head of a railway workers' union into custody on Sunday, accusing him of disturbing the service of the state-run Korea Railroad (KORAIL) by leading an illegal walkout.

An arrest warrant was issued for the Korean Railway Workers' Union leader, Kim Ki-tae, during the Nov. 26- Dec. 3 strike. Kim turned himself in to police Dec. 9 after seeking refuge at an umbrella labor union's office.

Some 15,000 union members, excluding 10,000 workers essential for railway maintenance, had taken part in the eight-day strike, protesting the management's decision to shed jobs and cut wages as part of restructuring steps.

KORAIL claims the walkout, the longest ever by the nation's railway workers, caused an estimated 20 billion won (US$17 million) in losses.

It said it will proceed with disciplinary procedures against 12 union leaders and seek compensation for damages from the union.