KCCI: "Minnocho 27th General Strike is an Illegal Political Strike"

"Unlawful Not Only in Purpose but Also in Procedure"

The Korea Employers Federation (KEF) stated on the 25th that the general strike announced by the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) for the 27th is an "illegal political strike based on political demands that cannot be the purpose of a strike."

Son Kyung-sik, Chairman of the Korea Employers Federation, is delivering a welcoming speech at the "Meeting between Ministers of Related Ministries and Heads of Six Economic Organizations for Investment Activation" held at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Jung-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 24th. Photo by Heo Young-han younghan@

In a statement released that day, KEF said, "KCTU has announced a general strike on March 27, demanding the Constitutional Court to set a date for the impeachment trial and the dismissal of the president."

KEF expressed concern, saying, "Participating in the strike without a union member vote and labor commission mediation is not only unlawful in purpose but also procedurally illegal," and added, "KCTU has repeatedly engaged in illegal and unlawful struggles, including political general strikes last year."

It continued, "The business community expresses great concern over the repeated illegal strikes by KCTU and urges the withdrawal of the general strike plan, as this strike risks inciting social unrest and exacerbating the difficulties of our economy."

KEF also requested, "The government should respond strictly to illegal strikes according to law and principles, and companies must hold those responsible accountable with civil and criminal liabilities as well as disciplinary actions under company regulations to prevent the repetition and spread of illegal activities in the workplace."