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Incheon Airport Workers Fight for Shift Change Amid health Concerns
health risks associated with night work. The Public Transportation Union highlights the dangers.">
Incheon, South Korea – Workers at Incheon International Airport are escalating their fight for improved working conditions, demanding a shift away from the current “3 trillion and two shifts” system that they say is jeopardizing their health. The Public Transportation Union Incheon Airport regional Branch held a press conference earlier today, urging the Airport Corporation and its subsidiaries to implement a “4 trillion and two shifts” model.This action comes amid growing concerns over the adverse health effects of prolonged night work.
Union Voices Concerns Over Health Impacts
The union asserts that the existing shift structure, characterized by continuous weekly work and relentless night shifts, is taking a severe toll on workers’ well-being. they highlight that full-time employees of the Airport Corporation ceased night shifts back in 2007, yet subsidiary workers, despite promises made during their transition from non-regular to regular status between 2017 and 2020, continue to endure these demanding schedules.
“In March of this year, two workers in the Incheon International Airport shuttle Train Maintenance Team suffered cerebral hemorrhages after working night shifts consecutively for over 10 years,” stated Hong Sun-Pyo, a representative from the Democratic Trade Union National Public Transportation Union Incheon Airport Regional Branch.
The Push for “4 Trillion and Two shifts”
The proposed “4 trillion and two shifts” system aims to alleviate the burden on workers by converting the current schedule-comprising continuous weekly work, continuous night work, passenger service, and closed shifts-into a more balanced rotation. This restructuring is intended to reduce the frequency of night shifts and provide workers with more adequate rest periods.
according to the Ministry of employment and Labor’s guidelines, night work elevates the risk of accidents by 30% compared to daytime work. It also precipitates health issues like cerebrovascular diseases, depression, and sleep disorders.
Personal Accounts Highlight the Struggle
The union revealed several alarming cases of workers suffering health repercussions due to the grueling schedules.
- Shin, a shuttle train maintenance worker since 2008, recounted instances where he had to return to work just nine hours after finishing a shift, often resting in the company facilities or his car.
- Another shuttle train maintenance team member, Omo, underwent surgery following continuous night shifts in March.
- A security guard suffered a cerebral hemorrhage, also battling infertility and miscarriages, attributed to the demanding work conditions.
The union contends that the Incheon Airport Corporation is obstructing the shift system reorganization due to cost concerns.
Shift Work Schedules Compared
| Shift System | Description | Worker Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 3 Trillion and 2 Shifts | Continuous weekly and night work | Increased health risks, less rest |
| 4 Trillion and 2 Shifts | Balanced rotation with reduced night shifts | Perhaps improved health, better rest |
Did you know? Studies show that consistent sleep deprivation from night shifts can lead to long-term health problems, including cardiovascular diseases and weakened immune systems. world’s best airports. Resolving the shift system issue is crucial to ensuring the well-being of its workforce and maintaining operational efficiency.
Understanding the Impact of Shift Work on Health
Shift work, especially night shifts, disrupts the body’s natural circadian rhythm, leading to a host of health issues. According to a 2024 study published in the “Journal of Occupational Health Psychology,” National Sleep Foundation provide valuable resources and recommendations for managing shift work sleep disorder.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) has also issued guidelines on working time arrangements, emphasizing the importance of balancing work and rest to protect workers’ health.
