[Update] KCTU ends strike after government delays decision on workweek bill
The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions triumphantly called off its one-day strike after the National Assembly announced that it would temporarily halt deliberations on the five-day workweek bill.
Source :  Base21
by Terry Park/Base21 Media Activist
parkterry@hotmail.com
Seoul, Korea--The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions triumphantly called off its one-day strike after the National Assembly announced that it would temporarily halt deliberations on the five-day workweek bill.
120,000 militant workers from the automobile, steel, chemical sectors were joined by government workers who launched their own strike on Monday, as well as student supporters and leftist parties. As a result of the nationwide shutdown, Reuters reported the South Korean economy suffered over 100 billion won ($82 million) in lost production. The bigget casualties were the nation's big three carmakers--Hyundai, Kia, and Ssangyong.
According to a Reuters interview with Sohn Nark-koo, a KCTU spokesman, the National Assembly's Labour Committee had decided to take more time to discuss the flawed labor law, putting off the issue to sometime next year.
Criticisms of the government-proposed five-day workweek bill includes lost holidays, unpaid overtime, and cuts in monthly and yearly paid leave, especially for women.
KCTU still plans on holding its National Workers Rally this weekend.
2002 / -1 / 1-
|