Democratic Labor Union Holds Nationwide Rally Ahead of General Strike... Clashes with Police Also Occur

An Estimated 250 Participants in Seoul Alone, According to Organizers

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ji-hee] The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) held rallies in 29 regions nationwide, including Seoul, ahead of the general strike scheduled for next month.

On the 30th, in Seoul, the organizers estimated that about 250 union members participated in a rally held in front of the Kyunghyang Newspaper building in Jeong-dong, Jung-gu. Currently, Seoul is under social distancing level 4, which prohibits all gatherings and demonstrations except for solo protests. As a result, the KCTU was unable to decide on the venue until 30 minutes before the rally.

The KCTU initially considered holding the rally in front of the Dongwha Duty-Free Shop in Gwanghwamun. However, when the police installed fences and deployed officers, the union members gathered in front of the Kyunghyang Newspaper building, where the KCTU office is located.

Participants wore protective suits along with masks and face shields. There were also scenes of physical clashes with police officers who tried to prevent them from occupying the roadway.

At 4 p.m., when the rally was scheduled to begin, union members occupied one lane of the sidewalk and roadway from the Kyunghyang Newspaper building to the Franciscan Hall and started the rally. The police began recording the event and issued dispersal orders up to three times.

Yoon Taek-geun, Senior Vice Chairman of the KCTU (acting chairman), emphasized, "If the union members unite their strength, all 1.1 million members can take to the streets during the general strike on October 20," and urged, "Let us fight proudly."

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