 Workers have threatened to step up strikes |
South Korean railway workers are on strike for a second day amid growing tension between the government and unions. The state-run Korean National Railroad said more than 70% of passenger and freight services were disrupted by Sunday's walkout.
Thousands of workers stayed away a day after police detained hundreds of strikers in the capital, Seoul.
It was the first time the government had used force against labour unrest since taking office in February.
The railway workers are protesting against government plans to privatise the rail network, which they fear could cause job cuts.
Universities stormed
Unions reacted angrily after thousands of riot police stormed university campuses and other places across the country, detaining about 1,400 union members.
 Strikers were overwhelmed on Saturday |
The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) held a rally outside parliament, while the Federation of Korean Trade Unions called for a day-long strike and mass street protests on Monday. The crackdown came after President Roh Moo-hyun faced accusations of being too soft towards labour protests.
Television pictures showed protesters running away, while others were arrested by police.
On Sunday, the government warned it would take further action against the strikers.
"We will surely punish those who refuse to obey the government's order to return to work," said Construction and Transport Minister Choi Jong-chan.
South Korea has been blighted by a wave of labour unrest, which has caused industrial output to drop for two months in a row.
One-Minute World News 
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