KCTU Launches Massive Two-Week General Strike Starting Today... "Resign Yoon Administration"

KCTU Expects 400,000 to 500,000 Union Members to Participate

The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) is launching a two-week general strike demanding the resignation of the Yoon Suk-yeol administration.

According to labor circles, KCTU Chairman Yang Kyung-soo and the executive committee will hold a press conference at 10 a.m. on the 3rd in front of the Yongsan Presidential Office to declare the start of the general strike. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (starting time), regional general strike declaration press conferences will also be held in 15 areas nationwide outside of Seoul.

On the 31st, union members affiliated with the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions held an all-out struggle rally in Taepyeong-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, demanding an end to labor oppression and the resignation of the Yoon Seok-yeol administration. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

The KCTU outlined the tone and goals of this general strike as ▲ spreading popular sentiment for the resignation of the Yoon Suk-yeol administration ▲ enforcing current issues such as raising the minimum wage, legislating the 'Yellow Envelope Act,' and preventing the ocean dumping of Japanese nuclear-contaminated water ▲ stopping union suppression, labor reforms, and the pro-chaebol, anti-labor rampage ▲ and politicizing workers ahead of the general elections.

Chairman Yang said at a preliminary press briefing on the 28th of last month, "The traditional purpose of a strike is for workers to gain benefits by reducing the employer's profits, but this time the strike is directed at the Yoon Suk-yeol administration," adding, "We will focus on raising issues regarding the problems of the Yoon Suk-yeol administration."

The KCTU expects that out of its 1.2 million total members, 400,000 to 500,000 will participate in this general strike.

However, the KCTU emphasized that the general public will not experience significant inconvenience due to this strike.

Chairman Yang stated, "While the federation plans a two-week strike, most industrial unions will strike for one or two days," and added, "Citizens will not feel major inconvenience as manufacturing plants will strike for a short period."

The KCTU’s industrial unions, including the Service Federation, Metal Workers' Union, Health and Medical Workers' Union, and General Federation of Korean Trade Unions, also held separate press conferences at the end of last month to announce the general strike independently from the federation.

According to the KCTU, the Hyundai Motor Union plans to participate in the regional general strike rallies of the Metal Workers' Union on the 12th. The KCTU expects that food service workers will strike over the weekend, so there will be no disruption in meal services.

There is a possibility of some delay in parcel delivery due to the Parcel Delivery Workers' Union strike on the 3rd.

The Health and Medical Workers' Union has also announced an indefinite general strike starting on the 13th, which is causing the most concern as hospital users may experience inconvenience immediately.

During the general strike period, on the 4th, 7th, 11th, and 14th, the KCTU will hold nationwide candlelight rallies in each city and province demanding the resignation of the Yoon Suk-yeol administration. The candlelight rallies will begin at 7 p.m. on these four days to coincide with workers’ leaving times.

This general strike by the KCTU is expected to mark the beginning of a full-scale 'summer labor struggle.' The two major trade union federations, the KCTU and the Federation of Korean Trade Unions (FKTU), have warned of large-scale struggles, accusing the Yoon Suk-yeol government of labor suppression.