Unions throughout the World Call for the Release of Imprisoned Trade Unionists in Korea

January 22, 2002, trade unions and workers in over 30 countries converged on the Korean embassies and consulates in their respective countries to denounce the imprisonement trade unionists in Korea, to tell the Nobel Laureate President Kim Dae Jung "Shame on you!", and demanded the immediate release of KCTU president Dan Byung-ho, KCTU-KMWF President Mun Sung-hyun, and all imprisoned trade unionists.

Unions and workers across the world took common action in response to the appeal of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) and its metal industry affiliate Korean Metal Workers Federation (KCTU-KMWF), through the active coordination of the International Metalworkers Federation (IMF).

The KCTU, in its appeal, called on all friends to "take action so that trade unionists in jail in Korea can be with their family and fellow workers in the new year. February 12 is new year's day by the Lunar Calendar. In Korea, it is a day when families gather together to reflect on the past year, give thanks to ancestors, and celebrate. Our hope is that all the imprisoned workers, including the KCTU President Dan Byung-ho and KCTU-KMWF President Mun Sung-hyun, are released, to join their loved ones."

In response, unions and workers in South and North, East and West either held demonstrations in front of the Korean embassies or consulates or delivered special letter of protest to the Korean government. In India, workers and union held rallies in 8 cities/states, while five national centres, Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS), United Trade Union Congress (UTUC), Trade Union Co-ordination Centre (TUCC) issued a joint letter of protest to the Korean government.

The ICFTU General secretary, in an official ICFTU press release explained, "this international show of solidarity will send a strong message to the South Korean government and the international community, that the unlawful detention of trade unionists is unacceptable and will not go unnoticed. Kim Dae-jung cannot go on using his Nobel prize as a cloak to cover the truth. Violations of trade unions freedoms are increasingly visible, and will no longer be tolerated anywhere in the world."

In calling on the IMF affiliates to take part in the international day of action, the IMF General Secretary, Marcello Malentacchi, expressed a hope that "all trade unionists [are released from] jail and the country return to democracy before the World Cup takes place". He urged, "the upcoming World Cup football championship, to be co-hosted by South Korea, is not just about enjoying one of the world's favourite passtimes but offers the possibility to put pressure on this Asian nation with regard to its poor record on trade union rights."

He went on to suggest an action plan: "I belive this is a great opportunity to put the Korean government and its president on the spot." The IMF general secretary went on to remind workers and football fans everywhere that "workers in South Korea are not enjoying much of this wonderful entertainment, especially those who are still in jail because they are trade union activists and militant trade union leeaders. (Read the column in full.)

Trade Union Advisory Committee at the OECD, which brings together the unions in OECD member countries, to intercede in the work of OECD on the concerns of workers and the trade union movement, is coordinating efforts of member national centres in advance of the ELSAC meeting in April to meet governments to step up the OECD peer group pressure on the issue of imprisonment of trade unionists in Korea. Connected this, the TUC and other affiliates have began lobbying their respective governments to act within the OECD framework.


Images of Protest Action

Hong Kong

Norway

Australia