The Gyeongnam Headquarters of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU), which has been on a general strike for two weeks since the 3rd, held its first rally of the strike on the afternoon of the 5th on the road near the statue of General Choi Yoon-deok in front of Changwon City Hall.
About 700 people, according to the organizers' estimate, gathered for the KCTU Gyeongnam Headquarters' general strike victory resolution rally and the Gyeongnam People's Rally.
During the rally, over 320 personnel from four police companies, including police motorcycles, patrol cars, and police buses, were deployed to manage vehicle congestion, prevent safety accidents, and respond to situations.
The Gyeongnam Headquarters of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions is holding a rally to resolve victory in the general strike on the road in front of Changwon City Hall. [Photo by Lee Se-ryeong]
Cho Hyung-rae, head of the headquarters, said, "The Cargo Solidarity lost the safe freight rate system, and union comrades were arrested or died," adding, "Why should we die or be arrested? There is absolutely no reason for that."
He continued, "The July general strike is a signal flare for the movement to overthrow the regime and a fight representing all powerless and poor people on this land," adding, "We must create a workers' government through firm political empowerment of workers."
Ahn Seok-tae, head of the Metal Workers' Union Gyeongnam Branch, said, "We must not ignore the sorrow and sighs of the working people," and urged, "Let all federations join the regional general strike on the 12th and the struggle on the 15th."
They demanded ▲ the cessation of labor oppression and labor reforms ▲ the halt of Japan's nuclear-contaminated water ocean dumping ▲ the increase of the minimum wage, among other demands, and called for the resignation of the current regime.
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