Gas Inspectors Demanding Wage Payments... Arrested in Seoul City Hall Protest

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Gong Byung-sun] Seoul City Gas safety inspectors attempted to enter Seoul City Hall demanding proper payment of wages from city gas suppliers but were arrested on site by the police.

According to the police on the 25th, at around 6:20 PM the previous day, the Namdaemun Police Station in Seoul arrested two members of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) Public Transport Workers' Union on charges of obstructing official duties and violating the Assembly and Demonstration Act.

The KCTU held a rally from 2 PM the previous day in front of the annex building of Seoul City Hall, demanding improved treatment for Seoul City Gas inspectors. Their demands included Δ cessation of false supervision by private companies Δ thorough management and supervision based on the fee items calculated by Seoul City Δ 100% payment of last year's wages to safety inspectors Δ measures to prevent recurrence of controversies over customer center fee calculations.

During the rally, union members attempted to enter the city hall building demanding a meeting with Seoul city officials, which led to clashes with the police. The police arrested two organizational directors of the Public Transport Workers' Union Seoul branch on the spot.

The KCTU claims that during the suppression process, eight union members suffered abrasions, bruises, and injuries due to police violence.