Healthcare Workers Unite: Massive Walkout Planned to Demand Better Conditions

A nationwide labor union of medical workers announced Friday it will stage a massive walkout next week to demand measures for expanding public healthcare infrastructure and improving working conditions for medical professionals.

The union conducted a vote across 127 medical institutions nationwide on whether to proceed with the walkout.

According to union officials, over 92 percent of participants voted in favor of the strike. The planned one-day action is set for Thursday.

Under the plan, approximately 60,000 employees from the 127 medical institutions will begin the strike at 7 a.m. Thursday. Their goal is to pressure the government to implement a 2021 agreement on expanding the public healthcare system, securing additional medical staff, and enhancing working conditions.

“However, we will continue to communicate and negotiate with the government during the six days leading up to the planned walkout,” the union stated. “We’ll do our utmost to reach an agreement without resorting to a strike, so we can remain by our patients’ side.”

The union has urged the government to fulfill the 2021 agreement, ensure adequate staffing of doctors in areas outside Seoul, establish public medical schools, and implement other necessary measures.