Public Transportation Union Incheon Airport Branch Press Conference
“3 trillion and 2 shifts should be shifted to 4 trillion and 2 shifts”
The Democratic Trade Union workers nationwide are calling for slogans on the 17th, calling for the abolition of night work in a row at the departure hall of Passenger terminal 1 in Incheon International Airport. Newsis
“In March of this year, two workers in the Incheon International Airport Shuttle Train Maintenance Team have fallen into cerebral hemorrhage. They have been working at night in a row for more than 10 years.”
Democratic Trade Union National Public transportation union Incheon Airport Regional Branch Hong Sun -pyo
Incheon International Airport subsidiary workers asked the company to “abolish the night work.”
the Public Transport Union Incheon Airport Regional branch held a press conference at Incheon Airport Terminal 1 on the 17th and urged the airport Corporation and the subsidiary to shift the shift system from 3 trillion and two shifts to 4 trillion. The current shareholder (continuous weekly work),Yaya (continuous night work),non (passenger),and Hughes (closed) will be converted to 4 trillion and two shifts.
The union said, “The full -time workers of the Airport Corporation have already stopped working at night in 2007.” “Subsidiary workers were promised to convert to 4 trillion shifts when they were converted from non -regular workers to regular workers in 2017-2020, but they are not yet kept.” “According to the Ministry of employment and Labor’s guidelines, night work has a 30% higher risk of accidents than morning work, and it should be minimized because it causes health disorders such as cerebrovascular disease, depression, and sleep disorders,” he said.
The union also revealed the case of actual workers’ health infringement. Shinmo, who is in charge of the shuttle train maintenance that connects the passenger terminal and boarding dong, has worked in 3 trillion and two shifts from 2008 when the shuttle train was created. Shin, who had been surgery on time due to a quick report of his family, said, “I went home at 9 am and had to go back to work at 6 pm on the same day. I rested in the company or car.”
In addition to shin, another shuttle train maintenance team worker Omo was undergoing surgery after working in March after working in March. There is also a security guard worker who falls down due to cerebral hemorrhage and is suffering from infertility and miscarriage, the union explained, the union explained. The union said, “Incheon Airport Corporation, the parent company, is blocking the reorganization of the shift system at the cost,” he said.
lee Hwan -jik reporter [email protected]
The issue you are interested in
The Impact of Shift Work on Worker health adn Productivity
The press conference highlighted a critical issue: the health and well-being of airport workers, particularly those in maintenance and security roles, are significantly jeopardized by prolonged exposure to the demanding 3 trillion/2 shift system. This shift structure, characterized by continuous weekly work and frequent overnight shifts, contributes to a multitude of health problems. the repercussions extend beyond individual suffering, impacting the overall efficiency and safety of airport operations.
Let’s delve deeper into why these issues are so prevalent.
The Science Behind Shift Work’s Toll
The Ministry of Employment and Labor’s guidelines cited in the article point to the higher risk of accidents with night work. The human body operates on a circadian rythm, a natural internal clock that regulates sleep-wake cycles and other physiological processes.Disrupting this rhythm through irregular work schedules can trigger a cascade of health problems.
- Sleep Disorders: Frequent changes in sleep patterns can lead to insomnia, excessive daytime sleepiness, and an overall decrease in sleep quality.
- Cardiovascular Issues This may include a higher risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and strokes because of the impact on cortisol and other hormones.
- Mental Health Problems: Shift workers are known to have higher rates of depression, anxiety, and stress-related disorders.
- Gastrointestinal Issues: Changes to the digestive system lead to possible ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, and other digestive disorders.
- Increased Risk of Accidents: Fatigue, reduced alertness, and impaired cognitive function caused by sleep deprivation increase the likelihood of accidents on the job.
Beyond Health: Productivity and Operational Implications
The detrimental effects of the 3 trillion/2 shift system reach beyond individual worker health, significantly impacting productivity and airport operations.
When workers are perpetually tired and struggling with health issues, their productivity naturally declines. This impacts the quality of their work and the speed at which they complete tasks. Increased absenteeism due to illness further strains resources, leading to inefficiencies and potential delays.
Actionable Steps for Enhancement in shift-work culture
Addressing the challenges of the 3 trillion/2 shift system requires a multi-faceted approach involving adjustments to work schedules, and additional support for workers.
- transition to 4 trillion/2 shifts: Implementing more favorable shift rotations, such as the 4 trillion/2 shift system advocated by the union, could reduce the frequency of night shifts and provide improved rest periods.This would better align with the natural human circadian rhythm.
- Adequate Rest Periods: Enforcing adequate rest periods between shifts, as recommended by the ILO, is crucial. this can include mandatory minimum rest times, and ensuring that workers have sufficient time to recover before starting their next shift.
- Health and Wellness Programs: Companies can invest in employee assistance programs (EAPs) that include mental health support, counseling, and access to medical professionals. Worksite wellness programs could also be implemented to promote healthy lifestyles, offering access to health screenings, educational resources, and exercise facilities.
- Improved Workplace Design: Workspaces can be optimized to minimize the negative impacts of shift work. This might involve creating well-lit, ergonomically pleasant work environments, and providing quiet areas for rest and relaxation during breaks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the primary benefits of shifting to a 4 trillion/2 shift system?
A: The 4 trillion/2 shift system allows for more rest time and decreases the frequency of night shifts. This leads to improved worker alertness, better health outcomes, and increased productivity.
Q: Are there any financial implications for incheon Airport Corporation in changing these shifts?
A: Initially, adjustments to shift patterns may involve some restructuring of labor costs, but the improved health and productivity of workers could result in long-term financial benefits through reduced healthcare costs, decreased absenteeism, and improved operational efficiency.
Q: What role does the International Labor Association (ILO) play in addressing shift work concerns?
A: The ILO provides international guidelines and advocates for measures that protect workers’ health and safety, including limitations on night work and provisions for adequate rest periods.
Q: How can workers manage health while on demanding shift rotations?
A: Prioritizing good sleep hygiene, maintaining a well-balanced diet, staying hydrated, and seeking support from employer-provided resources or healthcare professionals are all vital.Additionally, workers should actively communicate any health-related concerns with their supervisors or union representatives.
Q: Can night work ever be optimal?
A: Minimizing night work is a core objective,but it’s also true that in certain essential services it cannot be fully abolished.However, even in these circumstances, mitigation strategies are crucial to reduce health risks-shorter shifts, ample rest periods and active oversight of workers’ well-being are essential.
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