Minister of Employment "Regret over Minjunochong 10·20 General Strike... Request for Reconsideration Once Again"

Opening Remarks at the Nationwide Heads of Institutions Meeting on Labor Issues on the 18th

Minister of Employment and Labor An Kyung-duk. / Photo by Dongju Yoon doso7@

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] An Kyung-duk, Minister of Employment and Labor, stated on the 18th, "The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) has expressed its intention to proceed with the general strike and rallies as scheduled, which is regrettable." Despite repeated requests from Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum, the Seoul Metropolitan Government, and related ministries and agencies asking the KCTU to reconsider the October 20 general strike, the KCTU insisted on going ahead, prompting the expression of regret.

At 10 a.m. that day, Minister An held a "National Heads of Agencies Meeting on Labor Issues" at the Seoul Regional Labor Office to discuss labor issues related to the KCTU general strike. He checked the preparation status of local offices and urged agency heads to guide workplaces expected to participate in the strike to refrain from doing so. He ordered cooperation with related agencies to find response measures to prevent damage such as disruption of public services, logistics, and production in case the strike occurs.

He emphasized that strict measures would be taken against illegal acts. At the same time, he repeatedly urged the KCTU to reconsider the general strike and large-scale rallies. He reminded that after two years of public patience, the "gradual recovery to daily life (With Corona)" policy has barely been able to take effect, and that the KCTU’s large-scale rallies and marches in major city centers nationwide are causing significant public concern. He also expressed worries that the inconvenience to the public would increase as the Korean Government Employees' Union (KGEU) and the Korean Teachers and Education Workers Union (KTU) have announced lunch breaks and early leave, and school meal cooks and childcare workers are also expected to participate in the strike.

Minister An explained, "The government has requested the KCTU to refrain from the 'general strike' and 'rallies' to alleviate these public concerns, and related ministries are reviewing sector-specific measures in advance to minimize public inconvenience." He added, "Nevertheless, it is regrettable that the KCTU still intends to proceed with the general strike and rallies as scheduled. Once again, I urge the KCTU to reconsider the general strike and large-scale rallies."

He said, "Local offices should cooperate with related agencies within their jurisdiction to devise response measures to minimize damage such as gaps in public services and disruptions in production and logistics if the general strike occurs, and take action according to law and principles if illegal acts occur." He also stated, "For issues with significant public interest and social impact, such as transportation and delivery refusals, prompt review and action at the local office level are necessary."