Labor and Civic Groups Including Minju No Chong Hold Simultaneous '99-Person' Dispersed Rallies Across Seoul

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Dong-hoon] On the 14th, small-scale rallies organized by labor and civil society groups were held simultaneously across various locations nationwide, including Seoul and Busan. As the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) showed signs of resurgence, the rallies were dispersed and held in small groups of fewer than 99 people.

That afternoon, the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) held the "Jeon Tae-il 50th Anniversary Martyr Spirit Succession National Workers' Rally" near Yeouido Park in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul. The KCTU proposed limiting the main event attendees to 99 people and continued the rally while adhering to quarantine guidelines, including temperature checks before entry.

Kim Jae-ha, the emergency committee chairman of the KCTU, emphasized in his opening speech, "While COVID-19 has shocked the world, South Korea was able to stand out as a model in quarantine thanks to the sacrifices of workers," and added, "We must block the government’s attempt to pass labor-detrimental laws under the pretext of ratifying the International Labour Organization (ILO) core conventions."

He continued, "This year marks the 25th anniversary of the KCTU’s founding and the 50th anniversary of martyr Jeon Tae-il, making it a special year," and said, "Let us carry forward Jeon Tae-il’s cry from 50 years ago to 'obey the Labor Standards Act' through the struggle to pass the Jeon Tae-il 3 Laws."

At the same time, affiliated organizations under the KCTU, such as the Public Transport Workers' Union and the Metal Workers' Union, gathered in small groups at various locations in Seoul, including the Democratic Party headquarters in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Daebang Station, and Gongdeok Station in Mapo-gu, to hold workers' rallies. They watched the live broadcast of the main stage event through screens installed throughout Seoul.

The police mobilized over 7,000 officers from about 110 units to prepare for any situation during the rallies. A vehicle barrier was installed from the National Assembly main gate, a prohibited rally zone, to the southern end of Seogang Bridge.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.