Public Transport Workers' Union General Strike Rally... 3,000 Participants Gathered

On November 30, officials belonging to the Public Transport Union Seoul Metropolitan Related Workplaces held a joint strike rally near Seoul Plaza in Jung-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Young-won] The Korean Public Service and Transport Workers' Union (KPTU) held a "Joint Strike Against the Government - Resolution Rally for All-Out Struggle" near the Presidential Office in Yongsan, Seoul, on the 1st. It is estimated that about 3,000 people gathered at the rally.

Hyun Jeong-hee, Chairperson of the KPTU, said at the rally held in front of Exit 14 of Samgakji Station in the afternoon, "Unilateral termination of collective agreements, forced indirect privatization, and restructuring are excessive unfair labor practices in the public sector," adding, "This joint strike is a fight where public, transport, and social service workers unite, and where regular and irregular workers join forces."

The union emphasized, "In particular, public anger in civil society is rising due to the unprecedented 'Work Commencement Order' issued by the government on November 29 against the Cargo Solidarity Headquarters strike," and "Solidarity from civil society for the KPTU's joint strike against the government is also growing stronger."

According to the union, the strike began on the 23rd of last month with the Medical Solidarity Headquarters, followed by the Cargo Solidarity Headquarters on the 24th, and subsequently, about 103,700 members from 12 units under the KPTU, including the Seoul Transportation Corporation Union, the Railroad Union, and the Education Public Officials Union, participated in the strike.