Korean Air plane cleaners go on strike

Workers of Korean Air's subcontractor in charge of cleaning the airline's planes went on strike Saturday, calling for improved working conditions. The subcontractor Korea Airport Service outsources cleaner recruitment to another company, EK Manpower. Korea Airport Service has put into effect an emergency system to prevent setbacks of flight operations. Around 380 workers for EK Manpower clean 130 planes every day. Local members of the Korean Public Service union, contract workers branch staged a protest marking the walkout at Incheon International Airport, Saturday. "We are working a minimum of 12 hours a day, not to mention extended hours, without holidays due to daily plane schedules," the workers said. "When flights are delayed, workers are tied up at the airport for 24 hours, working without time for rest." The workers said one worker cleans the interior of around 20 planes a day, emptying trash cans, changing seats and blankets and vacuuming the floo. If all of these duties are not completed within 20 to 30 minutes, the airline companies charge penalty fees to Korean Airport Service. In addition, the workers said the company cut extra pay, stating it was necessary in order to heed to the minimum wage. They also said gender discrimination exists in pay, as only male workers receive a certain form of bonus. The Korean Airport Service said it has secured 170 people to substitute for the workers to prevent any setbacks in flight operation. The strike is set to last until Jan. 5.<br/>