Union Members and Police Clash at Changwon General Union Rally ... Injuries on Both Sides

At a rally held by the General Labor Union of the Gyeongnam Regional Headquarters of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, a physical altercation broke out between union members and police, resulting in at least two people being injured.

On the 24th, after holding a press conference in front of Changwon City Hall urging for the termination of contracts with residential waste collection and transportation subcontractors, the General Labor Union held a resolution rally for victory in wage negotiations and collective bargaining in front of the statue of General Choi Yoondeok next to City Hall, calling for wage increases.

A person who collapsed during a clash between the police and the union at a rally held by the General Labor Union of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions Gyeongnam Regional Headquarters is lying face down on the ground.
Photo by Lee Seryoung

For the final event of the rally, which included a head-shaving ceremony for 12 union executives and speeches, they marched to the front of Changwon City Hall and attempted to enter the main entrance.

A physical confrontation ensued with police officers and city hall security personnel who tried to block their entry.

As union members and police became entangled in the scuffle, the altercation intensified and ended when the union president and a police officer fell to the ground.

At a rally of the General Labor Union of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions Gyeongnam Regional Headquarters, police and security guards are blocking union members from entering the Changwon City Hall building.
Photo by Lee Seryoung

The union stated, "We said we would not enter the building and would hold the event right in front, but the authorities responded with excessive force. This is a public building constructed with our taxes, so why are they blocking a legitimate labor action?" They also claimed, "We were subjected to violence, including having our shoulders and necks pressed by the police."

A police official explained, "The reported location for the rally was the roadside in front of the city hall flower bed, but the group suddenly deviated from the approved area and acted unpredictably. Because there were not enough security personnel to block all the union members, police were deployed to protect the building and prepare for any contingencies."

According to the police, the injured officer sustained injuries such as a twisted ankle caused by a union member.

The union plans to hold a press conference in front of city hall on the morning of the 25th to announce their position on the incident.

The police will review whether to press charges based on on-site video footage and statements from the injured officer.