2 umbrella labor groups urge revision to union law

The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions and the Federation of Korean Trade Unions held events in downtown Seoul Sunday to mark May Day.

The conservative federation staged a rally to urge a sweeping revision to the law on labor unions in Seoul`s Yeouido Park, with 45,000 people attending according to police. “The government is weakening the influence of labor unions with the time-off system and forceful unification of negotiation windows,” the group said.

Lee Yong-deuk, president of the umbrella union, said, “The joint statement issued by the nation’s two umbrella unions in April is an ultimatum to the government,” adding, “Taking the results of the April 27 by-elections seriously, the government should break from its practice of unilateral management of national affairs and accept the demand for dialogue among labor, management and the government.”

The union confederation also held an event joined by more than 5,000 people including its members and those from civic groups in front of Seoul City Hall. The progressive group pledged to wage a struggle for the comprehensive revision of the union law, and urged government measures to fight inflation and help the working class.

In a statement, the confederation said, “Over the past three years of the Lee Myung-bak administration, workers’ right to live has been violated due to anti-labor laws, skyrocketing unemployment, and worsening polarization of society,” adding, “We will begin a full-fledged struggle with all our might in June.”

hjson@donga.com