The Government Says "No"... The Eve of the Storm Before the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions' October 20 General Strike

Park Seok-woon, Standing Representative of the Korean Progressive Alliance, speaks at a press conference of the National People's Action supporting the general strike of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) held at the KCTU in Jung-gu, Seoul, on the morning of the 12th. (Photo by Yonhap News)

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) has maintained its stance to proceed with the general strike on the 20th despite the government's request to refrain from it. Union members from Seoul, Gyeonggi, and Incheon will hold a strike rally in downtown Seoul in the form of an assembly.

The KCTU explained the reason for pushing ahead with the general strike, stating that they demanded the government address labor issues during the COVID-19 pandemic, but the government remained silent. It is expected to proceed in a manner similar to the nationwide workers' rally on July 3, which saw about 8,000 participants. At that time, the rally was held guerrilla-style in downtown Jongno.

They also expressed their intention not to link the spread of COVID-19 with the general strike. In a statement, the KCTU said, "Has there ever been a COVID-19 outbreak caused by a KCTU-organized event?" and added, "It is deplorable that the government still intends to restrict the constitutional rights (assembly and demonstration) even during the period of discussing 'With Corona,' showing an unconstitutional will."

The KCTU reportedly established its own quarantine guidelines to prevent the strike rally from leading to a COVID-19 outbreak. The KCTU has been preparing for this general strike aiming for the participation of all 1.1 million union members. Ahead of next year's presidential election, the KCTU's goal is to highlight labor issues through a large-scale general strike. The core demands of the KCTU include the abolition of irregular employment, comprehensive revision of labor laws, job security during industrial transition, and strengthening public services in housing, education, healthcare, care, and transportation. The KCTU expects about 550,000 members, half of the total union membership, to participate in the full-scale general strike.

The government has taken a stance of absolute non-acceptance. On the 15th, Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum stated at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCH) meeting, "For the safety of our community, we ask the KCTU to make a magnanimous decision to withdraw the general strike even now," and warned, "The KCTU's general strike could be a dangerous act that betrays the expectations of the people who earnestly wish for a return to normal life." The government believes that a large-scale spread of infection following the general strike could negatively impact the phased return-to-normal (With Corona) policy to be implemented from next month. Prime Minister Kim added, "I hope the KCTU will respond to the people who long for a return to normal life by resolving issues through dialogue."

The Seoul Metropolitan Government also announced on the 20th regarding the general strike, "If illegal assemblies are forcibly held, organizers and participants will be immediately reported for violating the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act." The Seoul city authorities reported that all 10 assemblies reported by the KCTU, with about 30,000 participants, have been prohibited. Seoul City Hall is working with the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency to find ways to fundamentally prevent the assemblies from taking place. The Seoul city officials added, "Considering the quarantine risks that occur when large-scale assemblies are held, we request the KCTU leadership to make a decision to withdraw the assemblies," and warned, "If confirmed cases arise, we will claim damages."

Meanwhile, Yang Kyung-soo, the KCTU chairman, is currently under indictment and in custody on charges of leading illegal assemblies such as the July 3 workers' rally.