23 Gatherings Held Across 23 Locations in Yeouido
Dispersed Gatherings of 10 or Fewer People Planned
Concerns Over Infection Through Meetings Before and After Gatherings
On the 25th of last month, the second day of raising social distancing to Level 2 in the Seoul metropolitan area, the "Stop the Deterioration of Labor! Achieve the Jeon Tae-il 3 Laws! Korean Confederation of Trade Unions General Strike and Nationwide Simultaneous Rally" was held in front of the Democratic Party of Korea Seoul Metropolitan Party Office in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@
[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Dong-hoon] The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) continues to raise their voices in protest daily despite signs of the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).
Seven organizations under the KCTU, including the Public Transport Workers' Union, are holding rallies with about 1,000 participants at 23 locations around Yeouido, Seoul, starting from the morning of the 4th. They plan to hold dispersed gatherings of fewer than 10 people, demanding the enactment of the Serious Accident Punishment Act and amendments to the Labor Standards Act and the Trade Union Act.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government decided to impose a total ban on KCTU rallies scheduled from the 4th to the 9th in the Yeouido area the day before. In response, the KCTU issued a statement that morning, claiming, "They are trying to blame the KCTU, which is expressing its opinions by gathering outdoors in small groups holding banners and placards, for the increase in confirmed cases."
Since the 24th of last month, Seoul has prohibited gatherings of more than 10 people citywide, but as the number of COVID-19 cases surged recently, they implemented stricter measures. The Seoul city officials stated, "The daily number of confirmed cases consistently remains between 400 and 500, and on the 3rd, Seoul recorded a record high of 262 new cases in a single day, making the situation severe."
Although the rallies are held in a dispersed manner, there are concerns about infection risks due to solidarity rallies or gatherings after the events by organizations under the KCTU. Given the KCTU executive elections scheduled to continue until mid-month, it is pointed out that affiliated unions are continuing rallies as if competing for prominence.
The police plan to deploy 181 units around Yeouido on the day and respond by installing barricades and safety fences. A Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency official stated, "If the rallies proceed, we will carry out dispersal procedures and respond strictly using all means allowed by law."
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