As reported previously, the suicide of Ho-seok Yeom, the chair of the local Samsung Electronics Service union, was a huge shock and highlighted the repressive nature of the giant Samsung Corporation. Samsung unionists have been on an indefinite strike against the company, click here for photos. This year South Korean workers have seen an increase in repression towards unionists and labour activists. South Korean workers have a proud history of organising and fighting back against huge odds.
Author: jiselle
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Korean workers on indefinite strike against ongoing repression
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New report on global supply chain an indictment on drive for profits
What the massacres of thousands of workers at Rana Plaza, Tazreen and Karachi, in the last two years show, is that these deaths are not an unfortunate by-product, but an essential part of the global exploitation of our class. A new report once again highlights how the garment outsourcing model has essentially been structured to exploit workers as much as possible. To win we need to scale up our organisations to organise and fight at a global level.
Workers Change the World
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Australian workers protest against anti-worker budget
In an impressive show of force, up to 40,000 workers defied anti strike laws to march in Melbourne against the massive cutbacks against workers’ living standards detailed in the latest government budget, see photos and video. These attacks by the conservative government are part of the ongoing offensive by governments and capitalists all around the world to make us pay for this latest crisis in the capitalist system. They want to make us work harder for less money so they can increase profits. We need to organise and take action together as a class. -
Thousands of Palestinians strike in support of jailed hunger strikers
As reported recently, hundreds of Palestinians detained in Israeli jails are on protracted hunger strike against their unlawful imprisonment. Unfortunately, their plight is mostly overlooked amid the many other crises of the region. In an attempt to press their case, support activists organised a strike in East Jerusalem earlier this week. For solidarity and updates on Palestinian political prisoners, click here. -
One month after being sacked, NXP workers continue their fight
As previously reported, workers at the giant Dutch corporation of NXP semiconductors are continuing to fight against the company’s union busting activities. It has been just over a month since 24 union officials were sacked by the company for their union activities. The company is located in a Special Economic Zones where union activities are often curtailed. The workers’ cause is backed up by global unions. For updates and solidarity, click here. -
Unionists fight dismissals at Turkish media company
Hot on the heels of the Soma mine massacre, the situation for workers in Turkey is becoming harder with more companies trying to destroy our organisations. This week, 45 workers at M&T Reklam, a large Turkish media company, were dismissed after they tried to organise a union presence to represent them in contract negotiations. This is a direct attack on all workers and our right to organise. The workers are taking action against the company. -
Korean government repression continues even after death
The situation for workers in South Korea is becoming intolerable with recent suicides of two unionists due to unbearable working conditions. The two workers were Gi-seung Jin, a member of the KPTU Northern Jeolla Bus Branch in Jeonju City Sinseong Yeogaek Chapter (Jeonju City) and Ho-seok Yeom, the chair of the local Samsung Electronics Service union. In an unprecedented move, police stormed the morgue where Ho-seok’s body was stored, beat up the mourners, stole the body and cremated it so that his body could not be commemorated by his co-workers. Meanwhile, workers and families wanting justice for the Sewol ferry disaster were attacked by police and unionists arrested, including Yoo Ki-soo, General Secretary of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU).
Organising is not a crime
Stop the repression against workers
Release Mr Yoo Ki-soo
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Cambodian activists released but only after heavy sentences and fines
Following major demonstrations earlier this year when a number of workers were killed, 23 labour and human rights activists were arrested. These demonstrations by garment workers were a part of an ongoing campaign for wage increases and better working conditions. A worldwide campaign was initiated to free these activists. While everyone was released earlier this week, they were also all convicted with varying suspended sentences and heavy fines. This is an attack on all Cambodian workers and an attempt to intimidate and criminalise labour organising.
Organising is not a crime – Revoke convictions and fines