UNISON staff, led by general secretary Dave Prentis, are showing solidarity with colleagues in South Korea as they embark on a general strike today.
The placards read: “I am not ok!” This has been appearing on signs and messages, mostly hand written, as a widespread form of protest in South Korea.
The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), the TUC, Amnesty International and representatives from UK unions are among those calling for workers’ rights in South Korea.
During a 23 day-railway workers’ strike, which ended on 31 December, police used excessive force, and searched and seized union records. The rail company dismissed 490 workers, with further disciplinary sanctions anticipated against many others. Almost the entire union leadership is facing arrest due to civil and criminal claims for damages issued by the company.
Korea’s national trade union centre, the KCTU, is fighting back against repression. It called for simultaneous protests on 4 January, together with a second and third general strike today and on 16 January.
The ITF, TUC and Amnesty have also requested a meeting with the Korean ambassador today, when they will hand over a statement and make clear their feelings about the repression of workers.
You can help to show support for our brothers and sisters in Korea and help throw light on the country’s dreadful record of non-compliance with international labour rights standards.
Spread the word about this event to your own networks – if you’re on Twitter, use hashtag #korail