Democratic Labor Union Gathered in Yeouido: "We Will Stand by the Cargo Solidarity Until the End"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Gong Byung-sun] The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU), gathered in Yeouido, Seoul, expressed support for the Cargo Solidarity Headquarters' general strike and demanded the withdrawal of the Yoon Seok-yeol administration's work commencement order.

On the 3rd, the KCTU held a nationwide workers' rally near the National Assembly Station in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul. About 6,000 union members shouted slogans such as "Expand the Cargo Safety Freight Rate System" and "Withdraw the Work Commencement Order," emphasizing solidarity with the Cargo Solidarity. The KCTU also reported that around 4,000 union members from the Yeongnam region gathered at the Busan New Port Samgeori to hold a nationwide workers' rally.

They compared the government's work commencement order to a "martial law" and urged its withdrawal. Lee Bong-ju, chairman of the Cargo Solidarity, said, "They are trying to put a leash on workers to force them into a slave-like life by holding cargo workers' livelihoods hostage," adding, "They threaten to punish us if we do not undergo an investigation by the Fair Trade Commission, but the Cargo Solidarity is a legitimate labor union under the Public Transport Union, not a business organization, so we refuse the investigation."

The KCTU raised their voices to strengthen solidarity with the Cargo Solidarity and to stand against the Yoon administration. Yang Kyung-soo, chairman of the KCTU, said in his opening speech, "The hateful remarks poured out by the government and the People Power Party ironically show that the workers' struggle is exerting considerable power," adding, "We must fight against forces that deny the desperate demands of workers not to plunge the people's lives into misery through privatization."

Meanwhile, the KCTU plans to conduct simultaneous general strikes in 15 regions nationwide on the 6th. They announced that they will engage in the struggle by any means, including early leave and education, not just strikes.