April is a fresh, beautiful month when flowers are in full bloom, but it is also one of the hardest months for students due to midterm examinations. During this period, the atmosphere at Chungnam National University (CNU) usually becomes quiet and calm amidst the refreshing scent of spring, since most students study hard to get good grades on their exams. This April, however, was not the same as usual due to a strike by the cleaning staff at CNU.

○ The Background of the Strike

The union strike, which lasted from April 19 to April 30 this year, was caused by the breakdown of negotiations on wage hikes and improving working conditions between the university and the Public Solidarity Labor Union of the CNU Public Service Branch (Labor Union). According to the union, not only did the university repeatedly reject the union’s demands despite having a sufficient budget, it also unjustly transferred cleaning workers in retaliation for the protests held in February this year. On the other hand, the university claimed, “We have consistently worked to meet their demands, such as guaranteeing their retirement age and improving their rest environment, and redesigned the wage system for public servants considering the government’s policy and financial situation.” In the end, the two sides failed to reach an agreement.

○ Student’s Response to the Strike

During the strike and protests, many students suffered from the inconvenience. First of all, loud music blasted out of speakers in front of the library and dormitory, disrupting students’ study time. Moreover, students had to endure a constant stench from the trash cans and toilets throughout the university, since they were not cleaned due to the strike. What was worse, some toilets were even soiled with urine and feces as if the protesters had done it on purpose, which made students feel disgusted. Eventually, this caused students to turn hostile toward the strike.

A survey conducted by the student council from April 23 to April 24 shows what students thought of the strike. According to the results, 93.3% of the students surveyed answered ‘Yes’ to the question “Have you suffered from inconveniences during the protests?” This shows that almost every student held a cynical view of the cleaning staff.

○ The Uncomfortable Relationship Between Students and Workers

On April 30, the strike finally ended with the labor union and the university bridging their differences, and everything returned to normal except the relationship between students and cleaning staff. This is because students are still hostile toward the workers, saying they cannot accept the inconvenience they suffered during the strike and protests. Therefore, it is now important for the student council to improve the relationship between both parties.

 
저작권자 © 충대신문 무단전재 및 재배포 금지