South Korean police on 16 April attacked a peaceful rally of more than 10,000 people in Seoul as they marked the one year anniversary of the Sewol Ferry disaster, which resulted in the deaths of 304 passengers, the majority of whom were high school students.
The protest, led by grieving…
As reported last week, the Korean labour movement launched a series of strikes, action and demonstrations against the current exploitative practices that companies are using against workers and new proposed labour laws that the government wants to introduce. The strikes and demonstrations have been massive, occurring throughout South Korea with tens of thousands of workers taking part from both the private and public sectors. Actions will continue next week, culminating in a major rally for May Day on Friday.
The Korean Health and Medical Workers’ Union (KHMU) are holding a series of strikes and rallies from 24 to 30 June, to protest against the Korean government’s announcement to allow for deregulation and privatisation of the health services in the country. The president of the Korean Health and Medical Workers’ Union also staged a 10 day hunger strike, ending of the 20 June to galvanise opposition against the privatization of health care. There are also fierce struggles going on against the privatization of Korea’s railway system, including a 22-day strike in December 2013 and January 2014.
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.