The Gyeongnam Regional Headquarters of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions held the World Labor Day Gyeongnam Rally on May 1 near Changwon Plaza.
At around 12:30 p.m., participants held a preliminary rally near the Gyeongnam Provincial Government and Korea Land and Geospatial Informatix Corporation. They then marched approximately 1.2 kilometers and continued the main rally near the statue of General Choi Yoondeok in front of Changwon City Hall.
The World Labor Day Gyeongnam Rally organized by the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions Gyeongnam Headquarters is taking place. Photo by Lee Seryoung
According to estimates by both the police and organizers, about 3,500 people gathered at the site, and around 400 police officers were deployed for safety and crowd management.
The union called for sweeping social reforms, the securing of fundamental labor rights, the abolition of non-regular employment, and improvements in the treatment of workers.
Participants attending the World Labor Day Gyeongnam Rally organized by the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions Gyeongnam Headquarters are shouting slogans. Photo by Lee Seryoung
Kim Eunhyeong, head of the headquarters, stressed in the opening address, "The minimum wage must be raised, the Trade Union Act must be amended, and the right of all workers to engage in union activities, as well as the fundamental labor rights of all workers?including the political rights of public officials?must be guaranteed."
He also declared, "We must create a world where specially employed and platform workers are recognized as workers and can work safely in a workplace free from discrimination," adding, "Let us win these rights through our struggle."
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