SEOUL, 13 November 2003 — Tens of thousands of workers launched a one-day nationwide strike yesterday as militant labor union leaders violated a police ban to stage a protest rally against government policy. The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions said some 150,000 workers joined the stoppage at 120 workplaces, including South Korea’s largest auto company, Hyundai Motor, in the southern city of Ulsan.
The Labor Ministry said the walkout had no major impact on the economy, saying it involved only 44,000 workers from 77 metal, textile and chemical firms across the country. The eight-hour strike is the second in six days after the umbrella group staged a half-day stoppage last week. Police were put on alert nationwide to prevent violence.
In downtown Seoul, 5,000 unionists went ahead with a protest rally near the National Assembly in defiance of a police ban on street demonstrations. Police barricaded nearby roads with buses to surround and prevent demonstrators from marching.
The strike comes amid growing concerns about union militancy which escalated Sunday when thousands of workers faced off against police, using fire bombs and steel pipes in the most violent labor protest in years.
The riot in the center of Seoul left about 100 people injured and triggered a major crackdown on labor militancy. It was the first time in nearly three years that workers used firebombs in street protests.
State prosecutors have issued arrest warrants for 56 union members on charges of illegal and violent demonstrations while the police have posted summons for six KCTU leaders, signaling a hardening of President Roh Moo-hyun’s labor policy.
Labor unrest has intensified since three labor activists committed suicide last month to protest lawsuits filed by companies against strikers to recoup losses caused by industrial action. The KCTU said employers have sued union leaders at 40 workplaces to seize their assets, leading to the suicide of six this year. State-run firms have filed lawsuits seeking about 40 billion won ($33.8 million) in compensation for losses caused by strikers, it said.
“The crackdown on our members proves the government is switching to a pro-chaebol (big business) policy,” it said in a statement, vowing to ally with civic groups for an anti-Roh campaign.
The demonstrations come as Roh’s government faces uncertainty after a corruption scandal sent his popularity plummeting and prompted him to call a referendum on his rule.
Roh, a former human rights lawyer who won the presidential election on support from unions and liberal groups, on Monday directed his Cabinet to take strong action against violent demonstrations.
The government has promised to curb labor militancy and strikes, which have alarmed foreign investors and worsened this year’s recession. Companies want tighter restrictions on strike pay and greater freedom to use replacement workers during strikes, arguing that South Korea’s competitiveness is suffering because of high labor costs.
Roh granted sweeping wage and working hour concessions to workers after summer walkouts in the transport, chemical and manufacturing sectors. But 132 unionists were arrested and unions have been sued for 140 billion won ($118.6 million) in strike damages.
