Metalworkers' Union Gathered in Downtown Seoul... "Please Board the Hope Bus"

Announcement of Hunger Strike Protest in Front of Yeouido Industrial Bank of Korea

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Gong Byung-sun] The Korean Metal Workers' Union (Metal Union) under the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) has resolved to hold a general strike in downtown Seoul, declaring a stronger fight against the Yoon Seok-yeol administration. Additionally, the Metal Union appealed to its members to board the Hope Bus heading to Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (Daewoo Shipbuilding) in Geoje on the 23rd.

At around 2:30 p.m. on the 20th, the Metal Union held a "Geoje-Yongsan simultaneous rally" in front of Exit 12 of Seoul Station and marched through two lanes to Samgakji Station in Seoul. According to the Metal Union, 4,800 people participated in the rally and march that day. The members shouted slogans such as "Guarantee total employment" and "Workers are hope." Around 6,000 union members also held a rally at Daewoo Shipbuilding in Geoje.

The Metal Union pointed out that the Yoon administration, which hinted at a hardline response, is making problem-solving even more difficult. The Metal Union stated, "President Yoon Seok-yeol has been ordering a strong crackdown on the Daewoo Shipbuilding subcontractor workers' strike day after day," adding, "Meanwhile, in Geoje, the union is focusing on negotiations by adjusting proposals."

They declared they would intensify their struggle. Yang Kyung-soo, chairman of the KCTU, said, "I believe the struggle of the Metal Union members will spread to the struggle of the KCTU and then to all workers," adding, "If only the union and workers are forced to face legal punishment for their struggle, the arrow will surely be aimed at the current administration."

Lee Chan-woo, senior vice chairman of the Metal Union, said, "Over the past two years, wage increases were suppressed under the pretext of COVID-19, but who reaped all the benefits?" He added, "We will not only fight today but will challenge and struggle to fully achieve a labor-centered industrial transition." Furthermore, Lee said, "Starting today, I will fast together with comrades at the sit-in in front of the Industrial Bank of Korea in Yeouido, Seoul," and warned that if legal struggles do not work, they may escalate to illegal actions.

They also appealed for support for the Hope Bus scheduled for the 23rd. The Hope Bus refers to a group of ordinary citizens formed to support union members on strike. The Metal Union said, "Please board the Hope Bus," adding, "It would be great if all workers unite with hope to change the world and create an equal society."

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