KCTU: "October 20 General Strike is the First Step to Overcome Inequality... Nationwide Workers' Rally to Gather in 3 Weeks"

On the 21st, the Jung-gu branch of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions held a press conference announcing their entry into the general strike rally and future plans. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-ju] On the 20th, the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU), which held a general strike rally at Seodaemun Station intersection in Seoul, condemned the government's blockade and suppression of the assembly, and announced plans to focus their fighting power on the 'National Workers' Rally' scheduled three weeks later.

On the 21st at 2:30 PM, KCTU held a press conference at the KCTU office in Jeong-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, stating, "All kinds of threats and obstructions to stop the strike and strike rally could not suppress the cries and struggles of workers who want to change the oppressed reality."

KCTU also said, "On the contrary, the participant count was deliberately distorted and underreported, and the old practices of quickly establishing an investigation headquarters and strict measures are being repeated," adding, "The government's intention to cancel the Seoul rally was frustrated by KCTU's efforts to deliver the demands of workers and the public to the world."

KCTU originally planned to hold the general strike rally at Gwanghwamun intersection and Yeouido, but when the Seoul city government issued a ban on the assembly and the police installed barricades to block it, they moved to Seodaemun Station intersection and held a general strike rally with an estimated 24,000 participants (according to the organizers). KCTU explained that about 70,000 people participated in the general strike rallies held simultaneously in 14 regions nationwide, including Seoul.

Furthermore, KCTU emphasized, "The demands to abolish irregular employment, eliminate discrimination against workplaces with fewer than five employees, guarantee all workers' right to unionize, national responsibility for jobs during industrial transition, and strengthening public services in transportation, medical care, housing, education, and care are key indicators for the future direction of our society," adding, "Starting with yesterday's general strike, we will devote ourselves to the social transformation struggle toward an egalitarian society."

They also announced future struggle plans. On December 13, they will gather in Seoul for the National Workers' Rally to inherit the spirit of martyr Jeon Tae-il, and in January next year, two months before the presidential election, they will participate in the People's General Uprising struggle. KCTU stated, "We will unite our strength for the National Workers' Rally and actively join and support the struggles of various people, including farmers and the poor, which will erupt diversely at the end of the year."

Meanwhile, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency formed a '10.20 Illegal Protest Investigation Headquarters' consisting of 67 members, led by the head of the investigation division, and started an investigation. The police have booked about 10 senior KCTU officials and requested their attendance. The police plan to investigate them on charges including violation of the Assembly and Demonstration Act, Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act, and general traffic obstruction.

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