Release KCTU President

Letters to President Kim Dae Jung to protest the imprisonment of KCTU president Dan Byung-ho, to call on him to release the imprisoned trade union leaders, and to urge him to end the imperious attitude towards workers and the trade union movement, can be sent to the following address.

Protest and solidarity letters from trade union movements and friends of workers and labour movement are beginning to arrive.

United Electrical, Radio & Machine Workers of America (UE)
Vermont, USA, March 29, 2002

Dear President Kim Dae Jung:

On behalf of the 1,000 UE members in the state of Vermont, USA, I am writing to you to express our concern over your government's decision to send riot police to enter the University Campus and arrest 192 delegates at the inaugural Congress of the Korean Government Employees Union. The police attacked participants viciously as the PSI General Secretary, who was attending the meeting can bear witness. We are requesting that these leaders be immediately released. Government employees have the right to enjoy the principle of freedom of association, together with other workers in Korea.

We are also extremely concerned that your government has begun dismissal proceedings against KEPCO workers of the State Electricity Company. The KEPCO statement, indicating that the subsidiary companies would begin dismissal proceedings unless workers' returned to work today, March 25 2002, can only damage industrial relations further. We also call upon your government to reinstate the 197 workers already dismissed and withdraw dismissal proceedings against the 404 other workers.

We support for the demands of the State Electricity Workers' Union for the following:

• a withdrawal of the privatization plan;
• the conclusion of the negotiations on a collective bargaining agreement covering the multi-enterprise union of the Korea Electric Power Corporation;
• the reinstatement of all dismissed workers.

We call upon your government to end the use of force to resolve industrial disputes and instead to establish a sound industrial relations climate.

Yours sincerely,

Jonathan Kissam
Secretary-Treasurer, District 2
United Electrical, Radio & Machine Workers of America (UE)

[ back to top ]

FNPBI (National front for Indonesian worker struggle)
Jakarta, March28, 2002

Dear Mr President Kim Dae Jung.

FNPBI (National front for Indonesian worker struggle) condemn your action for detaining workers activist in Korea. All of the workers in all over the world are know the repressive action and how your government has violate workers rights

By imprisoning Dan Byung Ho, KCTU and other activist you have shown your position in serving capital interest to the world. Criminalizing workers activist is a tactic to stop workers movement to let the capital run smoothly. You have shown your position in accomodating neoliberalism policy.

You break your promise to release worker activists in your agreement. By whole reason above we are give fully support to Korean activist who show their loyality in struggling workers rights and condemning your action in violating workers rights

RELEASE ALL DETAINED KOREAN WORKERS ACTIVIST.

National Committee
FNPBI (National Front of Indonesian workers Struggle)

[ back to top ]

Public Services International
Ferney Voltaire, March 27, 2002

Mr Joseph S Blatter
President
FIFA

Dear Mr Blatter,

Freedom of Association in Korea

I am writing to you on a matter of fundamental concern for the people of Korea, and to everyone who supports human rights.

I understand that the FIFA World Cup is to be co-hosted by Korea and Japan, with the opening match to be held in Seoul on 31 May.

I have just returned from a visit to Seoul. My visit was at the invitation of the Korean Government Employees Union to speak at its inaugural conference on 23rd March. 268 delegates were present at the conference. However shortly after the opening it was attacked by more than 1000 riot police whose aim was to disrupt the meeting and arrest and imprison most of those present. Later I was witness to similar brutality where massed police attacked people taking refuge in a cathedral.

The crime of these people is that they believe in their internationally recognised right to freedom of association (Convention 87 of the International Labour Organisation). They believe that they should be able to freely meet together and to sit at negotiating tables with the government on matters of wages and conditions of the workers who are their members.

Many such people who believe in these rights are currently imprisoned in Korea, contrary to earlier pledges from President Kim Dae Jung that he would recognise such rights before his election. I have personally visited some of those imprisoned and I am appalled that the Korean government is intensifying its denial of human rights and police repression. The situation now appears worse than when Korea was under the control of a military government.

My organisation, PSI, represents 20 million members in 146 countries. PSI is recognised by the United Nations and its associate body, the International Labour Organisation.

If the World Cup goes ahead in Korea against this police state background, it is quite certain that people will use the matches to demonstrate for their rights of freedom of association. I am equally certain that the response of the Korean government will be to use thousands of riot police. This sort of image before the world will not enhance the reputation of the Korean government, nor that of FIFA.

I ask that you take up this issue with the Korean government before a final judgement of history is made. If it is not possible for freedom of association to exist in Korea, then it should not be possible for FIFA and the freedom of association it symbolically and actually represents to conduct the World Cup there. To do so would be to support a State that has made it very clear it has no regard for the rights of its people.

Yours sincerely,

Hans Engelberts
General Secretary

[ back to top ]

CGT - Fédération Nationale des Mines et de l' Energie
Pantin, March 27, 2002

Chers Camarades,

La Fédération Nationale des mines et de l' Energie (FNME) CGT intervient une nouvelle fois auprès de vous pour vous apporter son total soutine dans la lutte que vous menez.

Nous sommes intervenes auprès de votre premier minister et de notre gouvernement pour que justice soit rendue.

Avec notre confederation, nous oeuvrons afin que les poursuites engages contre la KCTU et la FKTU soient abanonnées.

Votre lutte prend une dimension internationale. Si vous le souhaitez, nous pourrions répercuter auprès de nos syndicates vos prises de position et ainsi mieux faire connaître votre cause.

Nous sommes prêts à toute initiative que vous jugerez utile dans la période.

Soyez assurez de notre entière solidarité.

Bon courage à tous. Sincèrement à vos côtés.

Recevez, Chers Camarades, nos salutations fraternelles.

Denis Cohen
Secrétaire Général

[ back to top ]

Japanese Trade Union Confederation (JTUC-RENGO)
Tokyo, March 27, 2002

Mr Kim Dae Jung
The President of Republic of Korea

Dear Mr. Kim Dae Jung,

Japanese Trade Union Confederation (JTUC-RENGO) representing 7,500,000 workers protests against the detainment of members of Korean Government Employees' Union, who attended its inaugural meeting at Korean University on March 23. We believe that such an arrest of nearly 200 union members will further aggravate current relationship between trade unions and the government and harm their trust to the government.

ILO 87 Convention on the Freedom of Association is one of the fundamental workers' rights. We do believe that Korean Government should ratify the ILO 87 Convention as soon as possible and Korean Government should allow public workers to exercise workers' rights. The ratification of the ILO 87 Convention by the Government is the first step toward establishment of trustworthy relationship between public workers and the government.

We also concern deeply the government warning in which government will accuse trade union of illegal strike. We observe that the company dismissed 3,912 workers who join strike since they failed to return to work.

Hence JTUC-RENGO urges the Korean government to take appropriate steps instantly for the release of all arrested trade unionists and to end the imperious attitude towards workers and the trade union movement of Korea.

Yours truly,

Kiyoshi Sasamori
President
Japanese Trade Union Confederation

[ back to top ]

Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU)
New Delhi, March 27, 2002

President Kim Dae Jung
Republic of Korea
(Through The Ambassador of ROK, New Delhi)

Dear Sir,

The Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) extends its solidarity and support to the Korean workers led by the KCTU against the repressive measures taken by the Korean government and management to cripple the Korean Workers' strike against the privatization of electricity production following the dictates of IMF. They are taking drastic steps as:

1. Planning to deploy military personnel to run electricity generation facilities;
2. Freezing the private bank accounts of all workers participating in the action;
3. Recruiting new staff to replace striking workers;
4. Prosecuting power workers for organising the strike and issuing arrest warrants against union leaders;
5. Unleashing massive harassment against striking workers;

To deal with these repressive measures the striking workers have divided themselves in small groups of 5 to 10 and dispersed into the country to avoid arrest.

The CITU earnestly demands that the ROK Government should bring immediate end to their repressive measures and negotiate a reasonable settlement with the striking workers at once.

M K Pandhe
General Secretary
CITU

[ back to top ]

Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU, The Philippines)
Manila, March 27, 2002

First of all the KMU would like to register its utter disgust on the conviction of Dan Byung-ho. We will air our strongest protest agains the South Korean government. We are strongly behind KCTU at this trying times in your history. We are fully in solidarity with your struggle.

We would like to inform you that the KMU National Executive Committee of the KMU during its meeting last March 18-20 has decided to hold a protest rally in front of the South Korean Embassy in Makati City on April 11 at 9am.

Yesterday we received the email from Rob Lambert suggesting April 13 to be the coordinated protest action. I don't think it is possible for us to change the date now. It has gone to various stages of preparation and with the Holy Week break it would be difficult to reach everyone. Also the calendar of activities is rather full till May 1st.

COURAGE, ACT-Phils and other trade union coalitions will also join us.

We will send you the photos we will take during the rally.

Long live Dan Byung-ho!
Long live KCTU!
Long live the solidarity of Korean and Filipino workers!

[ back to top ]

SIGTUR - Southern Initiative on Globalisation and Trade Union Rights
Perth, March 26, 2002

Dear Comrades,

The situation in Korea has become critical. This week the government military police made further moves against striking power workers.

SIGTUR calls for protest action on Saturday April 13. Mobilize your members. Protest either at the Korean Embassy, or a Korean company like Hyundae.

Many unions have responded to our earlier call and suggested action. If you cannot make the Saturday, choose another day as long as it's BEFORE the April 13.

The date is important because the OECD special committee on employment, labour and social affairs is meeting on 17-19 April and will be reviewing the Korean situation.

KCTU wants the photos and reports on the protest to send to this meeting to put maximum pressure.

If this committee decides against the Korean government on this, it will have a big impact.

We are talking of the survival of democratic unions here. We are all under attack in various forms.

Let's unite on this action and show that there is unity and life in our movement.

Rob Lambert
SIGTUR Coordinator

[ back to top ]

Japanese Trade Union Confederation (JTUC-RENGO)
Tokyo, March 26, 2002

Heo Young-koo
Acting President
KCTU

Dear Bro. Heo,

Solidarity Message for Union Activists of Korean Government Employees' Union and Korean Power Plant Industry Union

Japanese Trade Union Confederation (JTUC-RENGO) representing 7,500,000 workers would like to express our solidarity for union activists of Korean Government Employees' Union and Korean Power Plant Industry Union and support their activities as unionists.

We believe that violent governmental actions like wholesale arrest of nearly 200 union members who attended its inaugural meeting at Korean University on March 23 should not be allowed. We are sure that such conducts by the government will furthermore aggravate current relationship between trade unions and the government and harm their narrow trust to the government.

ILO 87 Convention on the Freedom of Association is one of the fundamental workers' rights. We do believe that Korean Government should ratify the ILO 87 Convention as soon as possible and Korean Government should allow public workers to exercise workers' rights. The ratification of the ILO 87 Convention by the Government is the first step toward establishment of trustworthy relationship between public workers and the government.

We also concern deeply the government warning in which the government will accuse trade unions due to their illegal strikes. We observe that the company dismissed 3,912 workers who join strike since they failed to return to work.

Hence JTUC-RENGO supports recent activities by Korean unionist and urges the Korean government continuously to take appropriate steps instantly for the release of all arrested trade unionists and to end the imperious attitude towards workers and the trade union movement of Korea.

Yours truly,

Kiyoshi Sasamori
President
Japanese Trade Union Confederation

[ back to top ]

Histadrut - General Federation of Labour in Israel
Tel Aviv, March 26, 2002

Mr Kim Dae Jung
The President of Republic of Korea

Your Excellency,

On Behalf of Histadrut, all the workers in Israel and myself I would like to call for the immediate release of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions President Dan Byung-ho, who is currently imprisoned in Seoul.

His imprisonment is an unjust and arbitrary measure designated to prevent him to carry out legitimate trade union work.

We also ask your government to end the repressive measures against other trade unionists and to release immediately all the Korea trade unionists behind the bars.

It is the basic right for the Korean workers to have free and independent trade unions whose members should never suffer from neither intimidation nor deprivation of their rights.

The Korean Government must engage in a genuine dialogue with the Korean Trade Unions in order to find appropriate solutions with internationally accepted standards.

We trust that the government will take the necessary steps to show its respect for the democratic rights of the workers in Korea.

Yours respectfully,

Amir Peretz, M. K.
Chairman

[ back to top ]

New Democracy and the Solidarity Committee
St. Paul, Minnesota, March 26, 2002

A Message of Solidarity to Korean Workers

Greetings from the United States of America to the Korean working people!

We are members of the United Auto Workers Local 879, who have formed a committee of solidarity at a Ford Plant in St. Paul, Minnesota.

We support the struggles of electricity, railway and gas workers to resist privatization in those industries. Your government demands privatization and restructuring to satisfy the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, institutions controlled by the global capitalist elite. We are aware of the history of determined struggles of Korean workers and students. We applaud the fact that tens of thousands of union autoworkers at Kia and Hyundai and Ssangyong Motors joined the general strike in support of the utility workers. We condemn the arrests of unionists and any attempts by the government to silence these legitimate protests.

We believe that American working people and Korean working people have the same enemies and the same goals for a better world. For example, last summer the Daewoo workers marched against layoffs and the proposed takeover of Daewoo auto by General Motors Corporation.

We greatly admire the militancy and courage and efforts at mutual aid of the South Korean workers. General strikes and alliances with students are powerful weapons of the working class which our unions have failed to utilize in defense of American workers in recent history. The official leadership of American unions has abandoned that most sacred principle -- "an injury to one is an injury to all."

No single union or national group of unions can stand up for long without support against the multinational corporations and the governments which serve them. We need an international labor movement based on the values of ordinary people, a revolutionary movement that opposes the undemocratic systems of both communism and capitalism and fights for true democracy based on equality and worldwide solidarity.

Let's begin now to break down the barriers and create the international relationships and struggles which can change the whole world.

Signers:
Ed Bastyr, Jim Blackbird, Joe Callahan, Pat Doolan, Joel Gobats, Rori Green,
Mark Hanson, Stan Kasal, Tom Laney, Al McKinnis, Mike Melville, Diane Stadsvold.

[ back to top ]

Public Services International
Ferney Voltaire, March 25, 2002

President Kim Dae Jung
Office of the President
Republic of Korea

Dear President Kim Dae Jung,

Public Services International is writing to you to express its deep concern over your government's decision to send riot police to enter the University Campus and arrest 192 delegates at the inaugural Congress of the Korean Government Employees Union. The police attacked participants viciously as the PSI General Secretary, who was attending the meeting can bear witness. We are requesting that these leaders be immediately released. Government employees have the right to enjoy the principle of freedom of association, together with other workers in Korea.

We are also extremely concerned that your government has begun dismissal proceedings against KEPCO workers of the State Electricity Company. The KEPCO statement, indicating that the subsidiary companies would begin dismissal proceedings unless workers' returned to work today, March 25th 2002, can only damage industrial relations further. We also call upon your government to reinstate the 197 workers already dismissed and withdraw dismissal proceedings against the 404 other workers.

PSI reiterates its support for the demands of the State Electricity Workers' Union for the following:

• a withdrawal of the privatization plan;
• the conclusion of the negotiations on a collective bargaining agreement covering the multi-enterprise union of the Korea Electric Power Corporation;
• the reinstatement of all dismissed workers.

We call upon your government to end the use of force to resolve industrial disputes and instead to establish a sound industrial relations climate.

PSI represents 20 million public sector workers in 147 countries around the world.

Yours sincerely,

HANS ENGELBERTS
General Secretary

[ back to top ]

UNISON Caerphilly Branch
Wales, UK, March 25, 2002

Dear President Kim Dae Jung,

On behalf of 2,700 UNISON Caerphilly Branch members, I am writing to you to express deep concern over your government's decision to send riot police to enter the Chogye temple in Seoul and arrest several leaders of the State Electricity Workers' Union. We are requesting that these leaders be immediately released.

We are also concerned that on March 5th 2002, the 5 Chief Executive Officers of the Korea Electric Power Corporation have announced the end to negotiations with the trade union and rejected their legitimate demands for a negotiated solution to the current dispute.

The electricity company has issued dismissal letters to 47 trade union officials, filed legal suits against 230 shop stewards participating in the strike and declared all striking workers "saboteurs of the law and order system of the State." At the same time, they have issued notice for the recruitment of up to 1,000 new employees, claiming that it will be possible to run the power companies without the striking workers.

UNISON supports the demands of the State Electricity Workers' Union for the following:

• a withdrawal of the privatization plan;
• the conclusion of the negotiations on a collective bargaining agreement covering the multi-enterprise union of the Korea Electric Power Corporation;
• the reinstatement of all dismissed workers.

We strongly urge your government to reconsider the proposed privatization of the electricity industry. Many studies indicate that privatisation could increase the cost of this basic service to the consumer, by as much as 50%, and that if investment in new facilities is left to private enterprise, there is a danger that power supply could not meet demand. Privatisation will require that the Korean government lend money to private companies, who will not otherwise be able to fund the investments required. In addition, the current electricity work force is below the safety limits set down by the government and is putting at risk the health and safety of the electricity work force.

We call upon your government to review its decisions, end the use of force against striking workers, and meet the union demands.

Yours sincerely,

Jamie Loftus
International Relations Officer
UNISON Caerphilly Branch
Wales, UK

[ back to top ]

CGT France
Paris, March 22, 2002

Chers Camarades,

La CGT de France, au nom des millions de salariés qui lui font confiance, apporte à la KCTU et au syndicalisme de Corée du Sud son entière solidarité.

Elle intervient auprès de votre gouvernement pour exiger la libération immédiate de DAN BYUNG-HO, Président de la KCTU et de tous les dirigeants et militants syndicalistes emprisonnés. Les poursuites engagées contre les syndicalistes de la KCTU et FKTU et travailleurs en grève du secteur de l'électricité doivent être abandonnées.

Votre combat est légitime pour l'emploi et le niveau de vie, pour la réduction du temps de travail et l'amélioration des conditions de travail, contre les licenciements sans préavis.

Il est exemplaire pour faire valoir, en Corée du Sud, comme partout dans le monde, le respect des conventions de l'OIT n^o 87 et 98 sur la liberté syndicale, le droit d'organisation et la négociation collective, pour le droit de grève.

L'on ne peut tolérer de telles atteintes aux doits humains dans le pays qui doit accueillir prochainement la coupe du monde de football.

La CGT s'associe aux démarches syndicales internationales rappelant au gouvernement de votre pays les engagements souscrits auprès de l'OCDE et des institutions internationales, de respecter : la liberté syndicale, de négociation collective et l'adaptation de la législation du travail aux normes internationales.

Soyez assurés, chers camarades, de l'entière solidarité de la CGT pour la KCTU et la classe ouvrière de votre pays.

Alphonse Véronèse
Membre de la Commission Exécutive, CGT

[ back to top ]

Municipal Workers' Union of Austria
Vienna, March 19, 2002

President Kim Dae Jung

Dear Sir,

On behalf of the Municipal Workers' Union of Austria organizing 170.000 municipal blue and white collar workers of which a great number are electricity workers, we want to express our deep concern over your government's decision to send riot police to enter the Chogye temple in Seoul and arrest several leaders of the State Electricity Workers' Union. We are requesting that these leaders be immediately released.

We are also concerned that on March 5th 2002, the 5 Chief Executive Officers of the Korea Electric Power Corporation have announced the end to negotiations with the trade union and rejected their legitimate demands for a negotiated solution to the current dispute.

The electricity company has issued dismissal letters to 47 trade union officials, filed legal suits against 230 shop stewards participating in the strike and declared all striking workers "saboteurs of the law and order system of the State." At the same time, they has issued notice for the recruitment of up to 1,000 new employees, claiming that it will be possible to run the power companies without the striking workers.

We protest against the violation of trade union rights. Our organization supports the following demands of the State Electricity Workers' Union:

• a withdrawal of the privatization plan;
• the conclusion of the negotiations on a collective bargaining agreement covering the multi-enterprise union of the Korea Electric Power Corporation;
• the reinstatement of all dismissed workers.

We strongly urge your government to reconsider the proposed privatization of the electricity industry. Many studies indicate that privatisation could increase the cost of this basic service to the consumer, by as much as 50%, and that if investment in new facilities is left to private enterprise, there is a danger that power supply could not meet demand. Privatisation will require that the Korean government lend money to private companies, who will not otherwise be able to fund the investments required. In addition, the current electricity workforce is below the safety limits set down by the government and is putting at risk the health and safety of the electricity work force.

We call upon your government to review its decisions, end the use of force against striking workers, and meet the union demands.

Yours sincerely,

Michael Novak, Senior Official
Helga Mena-Bohdal, International Officer

[ back to top ]

All Pakistan Trade Union Federation
Lahore, March 19, 2002

Dear President Kim Dae Jung,

I would like to briefly introduce that All Pakistan Trade Union Federation (APTUF) is the representative body of public and private sectors and also the informal sector workers of Pakistan is shocked to hear that management of electricity department is denying the rights of workers in electricity, and Korea government is supporting the management of electricity. We immediately demand you to end to all the repression on electricity workers, and also demand you to kindly start negotiations with Korean electricity workers union.

APTUF hundred thousands of workers strongly demanded to take immediate action to:

1. Stop deployment of military personnel to run the electricity generation facilities.
2. Management of these state run companies have applied to freeze the private bank accounts of all workers participating in the action. The court injunction is claiming 15 billion won.
3. Stop management to recruit new staff to replace striking workers
4. Stop massive police harassment against the striking workers is being undertaken.

On behalf of All Pakistan Trade Union Federation we asked you to take immediate measure and resolve the conflict with unions and stop the unrest among Electricity Workers in Korea.

Sincerely,

Gulzar Ahmed Chaudhry, General Secretary
Rubina Jamil, Chairperson

[ back to top ]

Australian Services Union
SYDNEY, March 18, 2002

President Kim Dae Jung

Dear Sir,

On behalf of the Municipal Worker's Union of Austria organizing 170.000 municipal blue and white collar workers of which a great number are electricity workers, we want to express our deep concern over your government's decision to send riot police to enter the Chogye temple in Seoul and arrest several leaders of the State Electricity Workers' Union. We are requesting that these leaders be immediately released.

We are also concerned that on March 5th 2002, the 5 Chief Executive Officers of the Korea Electric Power Corporation have announced the end to negotiations with the trade union and rejected their legitimate demands for a negotiated solution to the current dispute.

The electricity company has issued dismissal letters to 47 trade union officials, filed legal suits against 230 shop stewards participating in the strike and declared all striking workers "saboteurs of the law and order system of the State." At the same time, they has issued notice for the recruitment of up to 1,000 new employees, claiming that it will be possible to run the power companies without the striking workers.

We protest against the violation of trade union rights. Our organization supports the following demands of the State Electricity Workers' Union:

• a withdrawal of the privatization plan;
• the conclusion of the negotiations on a collective bargaining agreement covering the multi-enterprise union of the Korea Electric Power Corporation;
• the reinstatement of all dismissed workers.

We strongly urge your government to reconsider the proposed privatization of the electricity industry. Many studies indicate that privatisation could increase the cost of this basic service to the consumer, by as much as 50%, and that if investment in new facilities is left to private enterprise, there is a danger that power supply could not meet demand. Privatisation will require that the Korean government lend money to private companies, who will not otherwise be able to fund the investments required. In addition, the current electricity work force is below the safety limits set down by the government and is putting at risk the health and safety of the electricity work force.

We call upon your government to review its decisions, end the use of force against striking workers, and meet the union demands.

Yours faithfully,

Greg McLean
Assistant National Secretary - ASU

[ back to top ]

SIGTUR - Southern Initiative on Globalisation and Trade Union Rights
Perth, March 18, 2002

CRISIS FACING THE KOREAN LABOUR MOVEMENT

URGENT CALL TO ACTION

SIGTUR urges you to take action, as soon as possible, in solidarity with the KCTU.

The Korean Government, following the directives of the IMF, have decided to privatize electricity production.

The KCTU power union resisted and workers went on strike.

The government is now taking dramatic repressive action.

• they are planning to deploy military personnel to run the electricity generation facilities.
• Management of these state run companies have applied to freeze the private bank accounts of all workers participating in the action. The court injunction is claiming 15 billion won.
• Management is actively recruiting new staff to replace striking workers
• 442 power workers are being prosecuted for organizing an 'illegal' strike. Arrest warrants against 24 union leaders have already been issued.
• Massive police harassment against the striking workers is being undertaken.

In response to this vicious repression, KCTU union leaders have committed to courageous action. Striking workers have divided into small groups of 5 to 10 and dispersed through the country to avoid arrest.

KCTU workers from other sectors took part in a general strike and are at this moment planning a second general strike.

The SIGTUR Congress in Korea revealed that essential services throughout the south are being privatized and bought up by the same grouping of multi-national companies.

Action in support of our Korean comrades is action to put up the stop sign in all our countries to this disaster path all governments in the south are following.

Indian workers are fighting this, as are South African workers. There is similar resistance in Pakistan.

Let us unit in action NOW in support of our Korean friends.

Consider moving on the following as quickly as possible:

• Urgently write a protest letter to the Korean Government demanding an immediate end to all the above repression, demanding that the government negotiate outcomes instead of repress. Send the protest letter to President Kim Dae Jung.
• Fax: +82-2-770 0347. Please send the fax to the Korean Embassy in your country.
• Send a delegation to see the Korean Ambassador and organize protest action outside the Embassy.
• Follow up on the actions listed at the SIGTUR Congress in Korea regarding repression in Korea and the Free Dan Byong campaign.

Please send copies of your letters to me and reports on your planned action so we can publicize.

Rob Lambert
SIGTUR Coordinator

[ back to top ]

All Pakistan Trade Union Federation
Lahore, March 18, 2002

Solidarity Message

Warm greetings from All Pakistan Trade Union Federation.

On the behalf of "All Pakistan Trade Union Federation", its hundred thousands of members, I would like to express our strong solidarity and firm support with KCTU who is set to call a second solidarity general strike, as the Korean Government stubbornly refuses to address the demands of the striking electricity workers to end the privatization plan. There is not doubt that imperialist policies' like privatization and free market economy just hitting working class very badly. Workers are losing rights of formation of trade union, job security and social security, which they got after long struggle and great sacrifices.

Privatization is creating massive unemployment around the world and making unlimited profit for capitalists.

This is very encouraging that workers around the world are getting understanding towards multinationals, capitalist institutes like IMF, WB and WTO's exploitation and raising their voice against IMF and WB's inhuman and anti workers policies.

KCTU strike action is one vital example of workers' fighting spirit against imperialism. We congratulate you for a great struggle within worse circumstances. We assure you that we are with you in your remarkable struggle. Within this unfair capitalist globalization, we (workers) must develop workers' globalization for confronting anti workers or people policies.

We wish you great success in your struggle and more power for you.

Long live workers Unity!

In solidarity,

Gulzar Ahmed Chaudhry, General Secretary
Rubina Jamil, Chairperson

[ back to top ]

Seppo Laine
GÄVLE, March 18, 2002

Dear Mr President

It has been brought for me that union rights to achieve collective bargaining and labour rights are indiscriminated in Your country. It absolutely critical for a country if it wants to be among the democratic countries in the world that union and labour rights are respected.

It seems that I am going have to avoid South Korean brands in the future.

Respectfully Yours,

Seppo Laine

[ back to top ]

LabourNet-Austria
March 16, 2002

Dear Mr. President Kim Dae Jung!

We protest against the imprisonment of KCTU president Dan Byung-ho and call on him to release! We urge you to end the imperious attitude towards workers and the trade union movement!

In Austria and Europe the Trade Unions are shocked about the undemocratic politic of the President and the government against fundamental rights of workers and Trade Unions. In our medias and newspapers we inform regulary about the situation in Korea.

Yours respectfully,

Karl Fischbacher
LabourNet-Austria
(within the Austrian Trade Union Federation OeGB)

[ back to top ]

FNME-CGT (Mines and Energy)
Pantin, March 15th 2002

Dear President Kim Dae Jung,

The FNME-CGT France is writing to you to express its deep concern over your government's decision to send riot police to enter the Chogye temple in Seoul and arrest several leaders of the State Electricity Workers' Union. We are requesting that these leaders be immediately released.

We are also concerned that on March 5th 2002, the 5 Chief Executive Officers of the Korea Electric Power Corporation have announced the end to negotiations with the trade union and rejected their legitimate demands for a negotiated solution to the current dispute.

The electricity company has issued dismissal letters to 47 trade union officials, filed legal suits against 230 shop stewards participating in the strike and declared all striking workers "saboteurs of the law and order system of the State." At the same time, they has issued notice for the recruitment of up to 1,000 new employees, claiming that it will be possible to run the power companies without the striking workers.

Our organization supports the demands of the State Electricity Workers' Union for the following:

• a withdrawal of the privatization plan;
• the conclusion of the negotiations on a collective bargaining agreement covering the multi-enterprise union of the Korea Electric Power Corporation;
• the reinstatement of all dismissed workers.

We strongly urge your government to reconsider the proposed privatization of the electricity industry. Many studies indicate that privatisation could increase the cost of this basic service to the consumer, by as much as 50%, and that if investment in new facilities is left to private enterprise, there is a danger that power supply could not meet demand. Privatisation will require that the Korean government lend money to private companies, who will not otherwise be able to fund the investments required. In addition, the current electricity work force is below the safety limits set down by the government and is putting at risk the health and safety of the electricity work force.

We call upon your government to review its decisions, end the use of force against striking workers, and meet the union demands.

Yours sincerely,

Serge TERRIER
International Department

[ back to top ]

SINDICATO DE TRABAJADORES DEL SECTOR ELECTRICO-STSEL EL SALVADOR
El Salvador, March 14, 2002

Dear President Kim Dae Jung,

SINDICATO DE TRABAJADORES DEL SECTOR ELECTRICO-STSEL EL SALVADOR. is writing to you to express its deep concern over your government's decision to send riot police to enter the Chogye temple in Seoul and arrest several leaders of the State Electricity Workers' Union. We are requesting that these leaders be immediately released.

We are also concerned that on March 5th 2002, the 5 Chief Executive Officers of the Korea Electric Power Corporation have announced the end to negotiations with the trade union and rejected their legitimate demands for a negotiated solution to the current dispute.

The electricity company has issued dismissal letters to 47 trade union officials, filed legal suits against 230 shop stewards participating in the strike and declared all striking workers "saboteurs of the law and order system of the State." At the same time, they has issued notice for the recruitment of up to 1,000 new employees, claiming that it will be possible to run the power companies without the striking workers.

Our organization supports the demands of the State Electricity Workers' Union for the following:

• a withdrawal of the privatization plan;
• the conclusion of the negotiations on a collective bargaining agreement covering the multi-enterprise union of the Korea Electric Power Corporation;
• the reinstatement of all dismissed workers.

We strongly urge your government to reconsider the proposed privatization of the electricity industry. Many studies indicate that privatisation could increase the cost of this basic service to the consumer, by as much as 50%, and that if investment in new facilities is left to private enterprise, there is a danger that power supply could not meet demand. Privatisation will require that the Korean government lend money to private companies, who will not otherwise be able to fund the investments required. In addition, the current electricity work force is below the safety limits set down by the government and is putting at risk the health and safety of the electricity work force.

We call upon your government to review its decisions, end the use of force against striking workers, and meet the union demands.

Yours sincerely,

Alirio Salvador Romero
Secretario General -STSEL
El Salvador.C.A

[ back to top ]

Asociació Sindical de Empleados Industriales de las Comunicaciones y la Energía
San José, March 12, 2002

Asociació Sindical de Empleados Industriales de las Comunicaciones y la Energía San José Costa Rica is writing to you to express its deep concern over your government's decision to send riot police to enter the Chogye temple in Seoul and arrest several leaders of the State Electricity Workers Union. We are requesting that these leaders be immediately released.

We are also concerned that on March 5th 2002, the 5 Chief Executive Officers of the Korea Electric Power Corporation have announced the end to negotiation with the trade union and rejected their legitimate demands for a negotiated solution to the current dispute.

The electricity company has issued dismissal letters to 47 trade union officials, filed legal suit against 230 shop stewards participating in the strike and declared all striking workers saboteurs of the law and order system of the State. At the same time, they has issued notice for the recruitment of up to 1,000 new employees, claiming that it will be possible to run the power companies without the striking workers.

Our organization supports the demands of the State Electricity Workers¢¥Union for the following:

• A withdrawal of the privatization plan
• The conclusion of the negotiations on a collective bargaining agreement covering the multi-enterprise union of the Korea Electric Power Corporation;
• The reinstatement of all dismissed workers

We strongly urge your government to reconsider the proposed privatization of the electricity industry. Many studies indicate that privatization could increase the cost of the basic service to the consumer, by as much as 50%, and that if investment in new facilities is left to private enterprise, there is a danger that power supply could not meet demand. Privatization will require that the Korean government lend money to private companies, who will not otherwise be able to fund the investments required. In addition, the current electricity work force is below the safety limits set down by the government and is putting at risk the health and safety of the electricity work force.

We call upon your government to review its decisions, end the use of force against striking workers, and meet the union demands.

Yours sincerely,

Fabio Chavés Castro
President

[ back to top ]

ASOCIACIÓN NACIONAL DE EMPLEADOS PÚBLICOS Y PRIVADOS (Costa Rica)
San José, March 12, 2002

Dear President Kim Dae Jung,

The Asociación Nacional de Empleados Públicos y Privados (ANEP) from Costa Rica is writing to you to express its deep concern over your government's decision to send riot police to enter the Chogye temple in Seoul and arrest several leaders of the State Electricity Workers' Union. We are requesting that these leaders be immediately released.

We are also concerned that on March 5th 2002, the 5 Chief Executive Officers of the Korea Electric Power Corporation have announced the end to negotiations with the trade union and rejected their legitimate demands for a negotiated solution to the current dispute.

The electricity company has issued dismissal letters to 47 trade union officials, filed legal suits against 230 shop stewards participating in the strike and declared all striking workers "saboteurs of the law and order system of the State." At the same time, they has issued notice for the recruitment of up to 1,000 new employees, claiming that it will be possible to run the power companies without the striking workers.

Our organization supports the demands of the State Electricity Workers' Union for the following:

• a withdrawal of the privatization plan;
• the conclusion of the negotiations on a collective bargaining agreement covering the multi-enterprise union of the Korea Electric Power Corporation;
• the reinstatement of all dismissed workers.

We strongly urge your government to reconsider the proposed privatization of the electricity industry. Many studies indicate that privatization could increase the cost of this basic service to the consumer, by as much as 50%, and that if investment in new facilities is left to private enterprise, there is a danger that power supply could not meet demand. Privatization will require that the Korean government lend money to private companies, who will not otherwise be able to fund the investments required. In addition, the current electricity work force is below the safety limits set down by the government and is putting at risk the health and safety of the electricity work force.

We call upon your government to review its decisions, end the use of force against striking workers, and meet the union demands.

Yours sincerely,

Albino Vargas Barrantes
Secretario General

[ back to top ]

FNPBI (National Front of Indonesian workers Struggle)
Jakarta, March 12, 2002

Dear Mr President Kim Dae Jung.

FNPBI (National front for Indonesian worker struggle) condemn your action for detaining workers activist in Korea. All of the workers in all over the world are know the repressive action and how your government has violate workers rights

By imprisoning Dan Byung Ho, KCTU and other activist you have shown your position in serving capital interest to the world. Criminalizing workers activist is a tactic to stop workers movement to let the capital run smoothly. You have shown your position in accommodating neoliberalism policy.

You break your promise to release worker activists in your agreement. By whole reason above we are give fully support to Korean activist who show their loyalty in struggling workers rights and condemning your action in violating workers rights

RELEASE ALL DETAINED KOREAN WORKERS ACTIVIST.

Dita sari
Chairperson
National Committee
FNPBI (National Front of Indonesian workers Struggle)

[ back to top ]

All Pakistan Trade Union Federation
Lahore, March 11, 2002

Dear Friends,

Solidarity greetings from All Pakistan Trade Union Federation

Let me briefly introduced that All Pakistan Trade Union Federation, which is a national trade union center, having affiliation 260 trade unions including the Pakistan Railway Workers Union, largest union in public sector. Its membership is 1.5 Lac. APTUF main mission is to struggle for safeguard the rights of working class, formal and informal sector, as well as to pressurize the government to Constitute labor policy according to the ILO Conventions. Struggling to eliminate child and bonded labor and discriminatory laws against women.

On behalf of All Pakistan Trade Union Federation I express my deep concern at the arrests of Korean trade unionists last week in Korea.

We strongly condemned the arrest of union's president, Kim Jae -Gil was charged and detained after the strike and nine other leaders of the same union were arrested in the evening of 3rd March.

APTUF wrote the Protest letter to the President to withdraw all charges against union, President Kim Jae-Gil and the other railway union leaders, and to immediately release the culprits.

We strongly demanded to reinstate 58 workers were fired over the last few years strikes.

In your struggle you are not alone! We are with you.

In solidarity,

Rubina Jamil, Chairperson APTUF
Gulzar Ahmed Chaudhry, General Secretary APTUF

[ back to top ]

All Pakistan Trade Union Federation
Lahore, March 11, 2002

To: President of Korea

Stop Privatization of Public Utilities, Stop Suppression on Korean Workers & Trade Unions

Dear President,

All Pakistan Trade Union Federation and its millions members were shocked to heard that many workers have been retrenched due to the structural adjustment and privatization plan that will be implemented in the public service sectors.

On behalf of APTUF we call upon the Korean Government to:

• Withdraw all plans for privatization of the strategic public utilities.
• Reinstate public sector workers who were retrenched due to the IMF/WB restructuring adjustment policy.
• Release all the imprisoned trade unionists, including the KCTU President Dan Byung ho.
• Recognize the rights to hold general strike
• Ensure no violence shall be employed to break the workers strike and further intimidation towards the union and their leaders.

APTUF and its million members stand united with the Korean workers and strongly condemned the Korean Government who are moving to privatize and sell off Korean core national industries including the railway, gas and electricity. The privatization will only benefit the foreign /local capital, but not the general people of Korea.

We call upon the Government to accept these demands and play an important role in ensuring the workers , because the workers are the backbone of the nation.

Thanking you,

Gulzar Ahmed Chaudhry, Secretary General
Rubina Jamil, Chairperson

[ back to top ]

International Energy and Mines Organisation
PANTIN, March 11, 2002

TO THE KOREAN CONFEDERATION OF TRADE UNIONS (KCTU)

The IEMO fully supports the strike engaged, with your trade union Federations concerned, against the privations announced in the gas, electricity and railways public utilities.

Several decades of trade union and popular experience demonstrate from now on that privatisation and deregulation are not the fair answers to the questions asked by development and modernisation. The examples of Great Britain regarding transport rail and Argentina in the energy sector are eloquent in this respect ; those of California and ENRON can be added.

The IEMO condemns the repression wave, announced in the newspapers, launched against trade unionists who led these responsible and fighting strikes.

Alain SIMON
General Secretary

[ back to top ]

Yu-Bin Chiu
Essex, March 9, 2002

We would like to send our respect and support to all the Korean electricity workers who are struggling for the labor dignity and social justice.

Today I have translated your stories from KCTU's website and passed them to trade unions in Taiwan, including Taiwan Confederation of Trade Unons (TCTU), Taiwan State-run Enterprises Trade Union Alliance, Taiwan Power Labour Union, Taiwan Petroleum Workers' Union, etc. What we can and should do is let more rank and file in Taiwan learn and support your struggle.

Best wishes,

Yu-Bin Chiu
Hua-Mei Chiu

[ back to top ]

Canadian Labour Congress
Ottawa, March 8, 2002

Mr. Kim Dae-jung
President of the Republic of Seoul
Republic of Korea

Dear Mr. President:

Arrests of several trade unionists of the Korean Railway Workers Union

The Canadian Labour Congress which represents 2.5 million Canadian workers joins with the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU), which represents 157 million workers through its 225 affiliated organizations in 148 countries and territories, including the Republic of Korea, would like to express its deep concern over the arrest on March 3rd of Mr. Kim Jae-Gil, President of the Korean Railway Workers Union, and nine other members of the union. The arrests were made in response to legal strike action taken by the union against privatisation plans and for better working conditions.

Of even deeper concern and frustration is the fact that these actions by the authorities contribute to a growing number of aggressions against trade unions. To assure us and the member governments of the OECD, that this is not part of conscious government policy, I urge you to intervene on behalf of all arrested trade unionists and secure their immediate release.

Yours sincerely,

Kenneth V. Georgetti
President

[ back to top ]

Electrical Trades Union of Australia (Southern States Branch)
Australia, March 7, 2002

Comrades,

The Electrical Trades Union of Australia (Southern States Branch) would like to convey our support for the electricity workers currently on strike at the Korean Electricity and Power Corporation.

The Electrical Trades Union, which represents power industry workers here in Australia knows full well the perils of the privatisation policy of the power utilities.

We wish you success in your campaign.

Alex McCallum
Assistant Secretary
Southern States Branch

[ back to top ]

Confédération Française Démocratique du Travail CFDT
Paris, March 6, 2002

Monsieur l'Ambassadeur,

La Confédération Française Démocratique du Travail (CFDT) vous prie de bien vouloir trouver ci-joint un courrier adressé à Monsieur KIM Dae-Jung, Président de la République de Corée, concernant les événements sociaux récents dans le secteur public de Corée du Sud.

Vous remerciant par avance de bien vouloir transmettre ce courrier au Président de la République de Corée, je vous prie d'agréer, Monsieur l'Ambassadeur, l'expression de ma haute considération.

Jean-Francois TROGRLIC
Secrétaire National chargé des questions internationales

Brief translation

Dear President of the Republic,

The CFDT joins the FKTU, the KCTU and the ICFTU to lament the serious events concerning the recent strikes in the public sector.

CFDT regrets that the negotiations with trade unions -who are opposed to privatisations and concomitant lay offs - did not succeed. CFDT deplores also dismissals, warrants for arrest and arrests that were launched against strikers for union activity that is deemed illegal regarding Korean law.

CFDT calls the Presidency and government of the Republic of Korea to :

• act in respect with fundamental principles and rights at work, in conformity with the commitments taken in the framework of the Korean affiliation to ILO in 1991 and to OECD in 1996;
• make sure that every imprisoned trade unionist be free when his/her action is legitimate in view with the ILO conventions;
• make sure that every dismissed trade unionist, for the sole reason of participating to the strike, be restated.

Thank you very much in advance for every action that you may take. Best regards

Jean-Francois TROGRLIC

[ back to top ]

CGT - General Confederation of Labour, France
Paris, March 6, 2002

Dear Comrades,

The General Confederation of Labour (CGT France) gives you its total support in the fair struggle you have entered into with the Korean workers.

These struggles have already paid off since they have enable the freeze of the railway privatisation (the Korean government committed itself to ask the opinion of the unions in the process), other success, the obtaining of a cut of working hours without salary loss. Korean workers show the efficiency of the unionist movement, the CGT congratulates you, however, other situations of conflict remain in abeyance, for example the reinstatement of fired employees as well as the release of imprisoned activists, the CGT supports you in your demand of entering rapidly negotiations so that fundamentals rights and principles of workers -adopted by all the states of the ILO and amongst the countries of the OECD- should be respected and implemented.

We have intervened on your behalf by sending a letter to the South Korean Embassy in Paris, the CGT will continue to closely follow the development of the situation, and we encourage you to pursue the actions you consider useful and necessary.

Yours fraternally

Paul HAMON
Asia/Pacific, International Department

[ back to top ]

CGT - General Confederation of Labour, France
Paris, March 6, 2002

Ambassade de la Corée du Sud

Monsieur l'Ambassadeur,

La Confédération Générale du Travail (CGT) condamne avec la plus grande fermeté la répression policière dont sont victimes les salariés et les syndicalistes de la KCTU.

Nous réaffirmons notre solidarité avec les travailleurs en lutte.

Nous demandons l'arrêt de la répression, la libération des syndicalistes incarcérés et l'ouverture de négociations pour la satisfaction des revendications.

Veuillez agréer, Monsieur l'Ambassadeur, l'expression de nos salutations distinguées.

Paul HAMON
Secteur International CGT
Zone Asie / Pacifique

[ back to top ]

Canadian Union of Postal Workers
Ottawa, March 6, 2002

Dear Mr. President:

On behalf of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers, I am writing with regard to the strike by the public utility unions who are demanding an end to privatization and poor working conditions.

We understand that tension has been rising and there have been declarations to punish workers. This is completely unacceptable.

Workers should not be attacked for merely seeking to protect public property and obtain respectable working conditions. Further, authorities have shut down a union website and are making ongoing attempts to suppress dialogue and communication by workers and their representatives.

We condemn all violent repressive acts and attempts to demoralize or defeat the strikers. Such a practice is not reflective of negotiation, dialogue and free collective bargaining. It resembles more corporate totalitarianism.

Privatization does not result in cheaper costs or greater access. Over and over, we see privatization and deregulation result in profiteering by a few at the expense of everyone else. It is really a perverse way of selling off community assets and giving them to the wealthy in the name of progress.

Arbitrary arrests of trade union leaders and firing workers only expose the desperate and cowardly attempts used to protect private corporations.

Our organization will watch with interest how the authorities proceed. We call upon you to respect the rights and dignity of all workers in Korea and cease pandering to the elites and choosing repression as an antidote.

Sincerely,

Dale Clark
National President

[ back to top ]

International Confederation of Free Trade Unions
Brussels, March 6, 2002

To All Members of the Human and Trade Union Rights Committee
To All International Trade Secretariats
To All interested organisations
In the reply, please quote: HTUR 2/2002
From: Guy Ryder, General Secretary

Dear Friends,

Arrests of several trade unionists of the Korean Railway Workers' Union

Please find attached a copy of the letter we have sent to the president of South Korea to protest at the arrests of several workers of the Korean Railway Workers' Union, including their President Mr. Kim Jae-Gil.

Kindly send similar messages to the following address:

President Kim Dae Jung,
Office of the President,
1, Sejong-ro,
Chongro-gu
Seoul 110-050,
Republic of Korea

Fax: 0082-2-7700202

* * *

Dear Mr. President,

Arrest of trade union leaders

The International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU), which represents 157 million workers through its 225 affiliated organizations in 148 countries and territories, including the Republic of Korea, would like to express its deep concern over the arrest on the 3rd March, of Mr. Kim Jae-Gil, President of the Korean Railway Workers' Union, and 9 other members of the union. The arrests were made in response to legal strike action taken by the union against privatisation plans and for better working conditions.

Of even deeper concern and frustration is the fact that these actions by the authorities contribute to a growing number of aggressions against trade unions. To assure us and the member governments of the OECD, that this is not part of conscious government policy, I urge you to intervene on behalf of all arrested trade unionists and secure their immediate release.

Yours sincerely,

Guy Ryder
General Secretary

[ back to top ]

International Federation of Chemical, Energy, Mine and General Workers' Unions (ICEM)
Brussels, March 6, 2002

Mr. Kim Dae-jung
President
Republic of Korea

Mr. President,

On behalf of more than 20 million workers of all continents united within the International Federation of Chemical, Energy, Mine and General Workers' Unions (ICEM), I wish to express our deep concern over your Government's handling of the present industrial dispute in the electric power industry of the Republic of Korea.

The unionised workers at power plant subsidiaries of the Korea Electric Power Corp. (KEPCO) are engaged in peaceful industrial action. The State's response has been to issue warrants for the arrest of 24 union leaders. We also understand that state-owned KEPCO has decided to dismiss more than 5,000 workers, to bring in replacement workers and to sue more than 200 trade union officers.

All of this is wholly unacceptable in a democratic society. It constitutes a breach of the internationally recognised right to strike. We urge you to do your utmost to ensure that the arrest warrants are withdrawn immediately and that KEPCO rescinds all threats of dismissal and legal action. Your Government should also negotiate sympathetically with the striking workers' union and should press KEPCO to do likewise.

Thanking you for your attention to this matter,

Yours faithfully,

Fred Higgs
General Secretary

[ back to top ]

Andrew Casey
Australia, March 3, 2002

Do not sully World Cup with violence against Korean workers

Mr President,

The continued threats of police violence against power workers union members and their leaders worries the people of the world.

Any violence could undermine the support for your country in the lead up to the World Cup.

Any violence could trigger cries for the World Cup to not go ahead in this climate.

Talk to the unionists about the threats to their jobs caused by a privatisation program; stop the privatisation; electricity should be for the people not for profit.

Andrew Casey
Australian unionist (and soccer lover)

[ back to top ]

Japan National Railways Workers' Union Dismissed Workers' Group (KOKORO Tosodan)
February 28, 2002

Solidarity Message

To Our Korean struggling friends;

We are sending a heartfelt solidarity message to Korean friends at general strike struggling against privatization of public sectors.

We are Japan National Railways Workers' Union Dismissed Workers' Group (KOKORO Tosodan) dismissed by division and privatization of the Japan National Railways in 1987. Our struggle by 1,047 dismissed workers including 966 members of the Japan National Railways Workers' Union (KOKURO) for cancellation of dismissal and reinstatement to Japan Railway (JR) companies established after privatization has continued for 16 years.

Division and privatization of the Japan National Railways was done with excuses of much debt held by JNR, and it was also done together with reduction of 90,000 workers.

We, KOKURO, opposed division and privatization. The reason, we thought, is that division and privatization would lead to mass dismissal and smash of militant trade unions, and result in paying little attention to safety and cutting down on public services caused by profit-seeking stance.

New JR companies established by privatization discriminated union members opposed to division and privatization of JNR and didn't rehire them. The JR, in concert with the government, did unfair dismissal and violation of the right to organize. The JR way of dismissing all and rehiring selectively taken to reform the JNR spread over other companies. Now the JR way is often used by them to dismiss workers, reduce working conditions and attack trade unions. In addition, now the JR companies get social problems on serious accidents, discontinuation of deficit local lines, etc., which are what we have been pointing out continuously.

The Japanese government is planning to fire much more workers through reforms of special corporations and education, privatization of postal services, etc., based on the good achievements of previous privatization of three public sectors including the JNR. Now the storm of bankruptcy and dismissal by corporate acquisition or reconstructuring is blowing strong all over the country, and serious social anxieties such as the difficulty of youngsters in getting a job, suicide of middle-aged persons, etc., are increasing in number; in other words, Japanese workers are forced into a rightless position, and it is clear that such situation was triggered by privatization of '80s and attack on trade unions linked to it.

We're convinced through our own experiences that your struggle is one with justice. We heartfully respect and support your solid struggle through general strike or solidarity strike in order to interrupt privatization of state-run major industries.

Fight together!!

In solidarity,

Yasuhiro Uchida, Co-representative
Wataru Harada, Co-representative
Japan National Railway Workers' Union Dismissed Workers' Group (KOKURO Tosodan)

[ back to top ]

Korean Solidarity Committee
Oakland, February 27, 2002

Dear Mr. President,

The Korean Solidarity Committee (KSC), based in Oakland, California, strongly urges you to refrain from sending in riot police troops against striking workers in the Korea Public Sector Workers Union (KPSU).

Despite your receipt of the Nobel Peace Prize, your violent record of human rights violations against workers and unjust persecution of trade union leaders sets the Republic of Korea apart from the rest of the world. Since the beginning of your administration, strikes have been violently repressed, employers who illegally engage in anti-union tactics and repression have not been apprehended, unionists have been publicly beaten by police officers, and internationally-respected trade union leaders like Mr. Dan Byung-ho, the President of the KCTU, and Mr. Mun Sung-hyun, the President of the Korean Metal Workers' Federation (KMWF) have been wrongfully arrested.

These facts are shameful.

We urgently call on you to

• refrain from using violence instead of genuine dialogue against striking workers
• meet the demands of the KPSU and the KCTU, including withdrawal of the plans for privatisation of strategic public utilities that discriminate against workers in small-to-medium enterprises and in various atypical employment
• release of imprisoned trade unionists, including KCTU President Dan Byung-ho.

We call on you to engage in a genuine dialogue with trade unions, start negotiations to find solutions to the current problems and bring industrial relation practices in South Korea into line with internationally accepted standards.

Sincerely,

Members of Korean Solidarity Committee (KSC)
Eunice Cho, Jennifer Chun, Angela Chung, Judy Han, Stacy Lee,
Sujin Lee, Sun Hyung Lee, Miho Kim, Roger Kim

KSC is group of Korean and Korean American activists who are committed to supporting struggles for genuine peace, human rights and democracy in Korea and the United States.

[ back to top ]

ALL INDIA TRADE UNION CONGRESS
NEW DELHI

PRESS STATEMENT ISSUED BY THE ALL INDIA TRADE UNION CONGRESS, NEW DELHI

The All India Trade Union Congress, congratulates the historic strike by the 4 public sector workers unions, Railways, Power, Gas and Social Insurance against privatisation and demanding reduction of working hours. The unions are fighting the privatisation move of the Govt. of Korea under an IMF conditionality which inevitably brings various negative effects on national economy, public interests, managerial efficiencies, social stability and integrity, terms and condition of employment, industrial relations and so on.

We strongly condemn the repressive measures launched by the Government and the violent campaign against striking workers in its attempt to crush the strike. We urge upon the Govt. to refrain from sending riot police troops against the striking workers.

The Indian working class under the AITUC and other trade unions and federations extend their solidarity to the indefinite strike by railways, power, gas and social insurance workers, demanding an end to privatisation drive and the in human working condition. We wish these workers and trade union united struggle all success. We urge upon the President of Korea to favourably concede the demands of the workers on struggle and role back the privatisation move.

H. Mahadevan
Dy. General Secretary

[ back to top ]

Jim W. Jaszewski
Canada, February 27, 2002

President Kim Dae-Jung:

Haven't they revoked your Nobel 'peace prize' yet???
RELEASE THE TRADE UNIONISTS AND NEGOTIATE WITH *THEM*!M
KICK THE *NEOLIBERALS* OUT OF KOREA INSTEAD!!!

The reputation of your government AND your country falls to NEW LOWS here in the west. And we'll see that it falls EVEN LOWER if you don't SHAPE UP and call your dogs off the workers and their leadership!!

What the HELL is wrong with a 4 or 5 day work-week and decent pay??? Is your EVERY string pulled by Wall Street and not the Korean people??

Jim W. Jaszewski
Labor activist
CANADA

[ back to top ]

Antony Schofield
UK, February 27, 2002

Dear Korean Brothers and Sisters,

I would like to express my solidarity with you in your courageous struggle against privatisation and neo-liberalism. I have just faxed your president urging the release of Dan Byung-ho, and requsting that he settle the general strike by sincere negotiations with the workers and not send in the police or army.

I also have some information to pass on, I know it is not your area, and that you are very busy, especially at the moment, but I thought it might be of interest to you. I am trying to build international support for the following campaign against US attempts to put weapons in space and have no contacts in your part of the world.

I would be extremely grateful if you could pass the following message on to parties or groups who might be interested, or if you could give me the details of peace groups in Korea and I will contact them myself.

Solidarity and peace

Antony Schofield

[ back to top ]

ATTAC-Japan
Tokyo, February 27, 2002

Dear all Korean workers and their supporters,

Here's a solidarity message from ATTAC Japan to all workers at strike and their supporters against privatization, respecting their courageous action.

We Support your General Strike!!

What will happen after privatization is very clear to everybody. Privatization represents destruction of employment such as dismissal, worsening of working conditions, etc, as shown in privatization of Japanese national railroad in Japan.

We never allow the Korean government to follow a Japanese way of privatization, based on neo-liberalism. We must make the government stop privatization. We must make the government know that privatization will never bring in any profit.

Stick to it!!
We Support Your Strike!!

In Solidarity,

ATTAC Japan

[ back to top ]

Brigitte Anderegg, SOLIFONDS
Zuerich

Dear Mr. President,

I am very concerned about the news that your government is building up the deployment of riot police troops at the various sites of striking workers camps.

I urge you to refrain from sending in troops to crush the strike of the Railway, Power Plant and Gas Workers and the Solidarity General Strike declared by KCTU.

The international civil society is expecting from you as a Nobel prize winner to respect and guarantee trade union rights and human rights in your country.

Sincerely yours,

Brigitte Anderegg
SOLIFONDS

[ back to top ]

Harm Tijssen
The Netherlands, February 20, 2002

My solidarity with unions and workers worldwide, specially for you and your leader in your threatened positions.

It is crime when a political line is justified with partly lies and capitalistic targets which always benefit only a very small group; about 5 % will own 95 %.

Intimidation and use of forces which are under their absolute control comes with it. I mean the police and our soldiers; brothers, people from our own society, with the idea of serving that society. Used, set up against that same society, Decisions are made.

It always was like this.

Did nothing change in hundreds of years?
After all that happened and should teach us.
Didn't we learn to respect ourselves and each other.
Then we will not be civilized.
Because we were not human.

Change the present and the future.

From me, from us.
We, together, the only way.

FREEDOM AND JUSTICE FOR ALL PEOPLE
STARTING WITH Dan Byung-Ho

I wish you, your leader and your union all the strength, wisdom and energy to go on.
I will follow the news and tell others.

Best wishes,

HARM.

[ back to top ]

Taiwan Confederation of Trade Unions
Taipei, February 18, 2002

Dear President Kim Dae Jung,

On behalf of TCTU - Taiwan Confederation of Trade Unions, I am writing to request that your government release Mr. Dan Byung-Ho, President of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU), who has been in prison together with hundreds of trade union activists and union leaders, which amounts to gross violation of human rights and trade union rights in South Korea.

You used to be a respectable opposition leader in the authoritarian era. But as I know, by now the number of union activists and leaders arrested by your government is far more than any previous Korean authoritarian regime.

It's a shame for the humanity and democracy to maintain in prison such persons who always have struggled for freedom and justice.

I, and 300,000 members of TCTU, call on you to immediately release brother Dan Byuong-ho and all other trade union leaders and to guarantee the democratic rights of the labour movement in your country.

Yours sincerely,

Huang, Ching-Hsian
President
Taiwan Confederation of Trade Unions, TCTU

[ back to top ]

Erin Van der Maas
London, February 15, 2002

I understand that a number of trade unionists have been arrested in Korea. I would like to remind you of your obligations under the ILO Treaties. People do have a right to organise themselves into trade unions and then pursue their interests - just as businessmen pursue their interests.

I am sure you are aware how episodes like this can snowball and potentially affect your country - just look at the trade union led anti-apartheid protests that severely affected the exports of South Africa.

We are watching this space and I urge you as a man of the people to aid those who also represent the people in their efforts to secure dignity and respect vis-a-vis trans-national/global capital who care little for human development.

Yours hopefully

Erin Van der Maas
London School of Economics

[ back to top ]

Timber and Related Industries Workers Union of Russia
Moscow, February 15, 2002

Mr. Kim Dae Jung
President
Republic of Korea

Mr. President,

The Timber and Related Industries Workers Union of Russia affiliated to the International Federation of Building and Wood Workers (IFBWW) has been appalled to hear of the continued harassment, intimidation and imprisonment of trade union activists due to their trade union activities in South Korea, including Bro. Dan Byung-ho, President of the KCTU.

The Timber and Related Industries Workers Union of Russia fully supports the demands of the Korean unions and extends its solidarity to these unions in their struggle. The Timber and Related Industries Workers Union of Russia strongly protests against this violence and interference in trade union affairs.

The Timber and Related Industries Workers Union of Russia wishes to remind you that the right to join a trade union and to bargain collectively are internationally recognised human rights. The Timber and Related Industries Workers Union of Russia urges you to intervene without any delay in order to make them respected in Korea, particularly ILO Conventions 87 and 98, and to release all imprisoned trade unionists. The IFBWW will continue to monitor the situation.

Valery N. Ochekurov
President

[ back to top ]

FNV - The Netherlands
Amsterdam, February 11, 2002

I hope you are all well.

I would like to inform you that today, FNV-president Lodewijk de Waal, Annie van Wezel and myself are paying a visit to the Korean Ambassador in the Netherlands. Lodewijk de Waal will hand over a letter to president Kim Dae-jung, from the Confederation Council of the FNV. The Confederation Council is the supreme policy-making body, composed of the chairmen of the affiliated trade unions and the members of the Executive Board. This is our second solidarity action within a few weeks, following a protest letter of Lodewijk de Waal to president Kim Dae-jung and a conversation with the Dutch ambassador in Korea, in February.

Best regards and good luck!

FNV Mondiaal

* * *

FNV - The Netherlands
Amsterdam, February 11, 2002

Mr. Kim Dae Jung
The President of the Republic of Korea

Dear Mr. President,

With this letter the Council of the Netherlands Trade Union Confederation FNV, composed of the chairmen of the affiliated trade unions and the members of the Executive Board, wishes to express its deep concern about the continued violation of trade unions rights committed by your Government.

The total of 241 unionists imprisoned in Korea in 2001 is a sad record. At the end of 2001, 45 unionists were still in prison. We are very disappointed about the disregard of your Government to respect international labour rights, which include trade union freedom and the right to strike. Sending trade unionists to jail for representing workers' interests is a blatant act of violation of trade union rights, which has no place in a democratic society respecting basic human and trade union rights.

We condemn the continued imprisonment of the internationally respected KCTU President Dan Byung-ho. We learned that President Dan is recently charged of violation of 5 legal provisions on 16 occasions. President Dan would not be facing any charges if your Government were respecting international human and labour rights.

We call on you as President and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate to release President Dan Byung-ho, President Mun Sung-hyun of the KCTU-KMWF and all the other trade unionists immediately from prison. We will continue our support for basic trade union rights in Korea and we sincerely hope that you will finally seek social dialogue with the trade union movement.

Yours sincerely,

The Council of the FNV

[ back to top ]

Ethiopian Industrial Federation of Construction, Wood, Metal, Cement and Other Trade Unions
Addis Ababa, February 11, 2002

Mr. Kim Dae Jung
President, Republic of Korea

Re.: Solidarity Appeal

The Ethiopian Industrial Federation of Construction, Wood, Metal, Cement and Other Trade Unions affiliated to the International Federation of Building and Wood Workers (IFBWW) has been appalled to hear of the continued harassment, intimidation and imprisonment of trade union activists due to their trade union activities in South Korea, including Bro. Dan Byungho, president of the KCTU.

The Ethiopian Industrial Federation of Construction, Wood, Metal, Cement and Other Trade Unions fully supports the demands of the Korean unions and extends its solidarity to these unions in their struggle. International Federation of Building and Wood Workers (IFBWW) strongly protests against this violence and interference in trade union affairs.

The Ethiopian Industrial Federation of Construction, Wood, Metal, Cement and Other Trade Unions wishes to remind you that the right to join a trade union and to bargain collectively are internationally recognized human rights. IFBWW urges you to intervene without delay in order to make them respected in Korea, particularly ILO Conventions 87 and 98, and to release all imprisoned trade unionists. The IFBWW will continue to monitor the situation.

Kassahun Follo
Vice President

[ back to top ]

Scientific Workers National Union of the CGT (France) - SNTRS-CGT
Villejuif, February 7, 2002

Mr. Kim Dae-Jung
The President of Republic of Korea

By the eve of the next new year (Feb. 12), the Scientific Workers National Union of the CGT (France) - SNTRS-CGT - asks you to free all the unionists put into jail for strike or union activities and, among them, Dan Byung-Ho President of the KCTU and Mun Sung-Hyun secretary of the metal workers union of the KCTU.

SNTRS-CGT Secretariat National

[ back to top ]

BAT-Kartellet
Copenhagen, February 6, 2002

Mr. Kim Dae Jung
President, Republic of Korea

The BAT-cartel affiliated to the International Federation of Building and Wood Workers (IFBWW) has been appalled to hear of the continued harassment, intimidation and imprisonment of trade union activists due to their trade union activities in South Korea, including Bro. Dan Byung-ho, president of the KCTU.

The BAT-cartel fully supports the demands of the Korean unions and extends its solidarity to these unions in their struggle. The Bat-cartel strongly protests against this violence and interference in trade union affairs.

The BAT-cartel wishes to remind you that the right to join a trade union and to bargain collectively are internationally recognized human rights. The BAT-cartel urges you to intervene without delay in order to make them respected in Korea, particularly ILO Conventions 87 and 98, and to release all imprisoned trade unionists. The IFBWW will continue to monitor the situation.

Gunde Odgaard
General Secretary

[ back to top ]

Electrician and IT Workers Union, Norway
Oslo, February 6, 2002

Mr. Kim Dae Jung
President, Republic of Korea

The Electrician & IT Workers Union, Norway affiliated to the International Federation of Building and Wood Workers (IFBWW) has been appalled to hear of the continued harassment, intimidation and imprisonment of trade union activists due to their trade union activities in South Korea, including Bro. Dan Byung-ho, President of the KCTU.

The Electrician & IT Workers Union, Norway fully supports the demands of the Korean unions and extends its solidarity to these unions in their struggle. The Electrician & IT Workers Union, Norway strongly protests against this violence and interference in trade union affairs.

The Electrician & IT Workers Union, Norway wishes to remind you that the right to join a trade union and to bargain collectively are internationally recognized human rights. The Electrician & IT Workers Union, Norway urges you to intervene without delay in order to make them respected in Korea, particularly ILO Conventions 87 and 98, and to release all imprisoned trade unionists. The IFBWW will continue to monitor the situation.

Yours sincerely

Hans O. Felix
President

[ back to top ]

General Trade Union for Building & Wood Industries Workers
Cairo, February 5, 2002

Mr. Kim Dae Jung
President, Republic of Korea

The General Trade Union for Building and Wood Industries Workers in Egypt (representing 500 thousand members) has been appalled to hear of the continued harassment, intimidation and imprisonment of trade union activists due to their trade union activities in South Korea, including Bro. Dan Byungho, President of the KCTU.

Our trade union fully supports the demands of the Korean unions and extends its solidarity to these unions in their struggle. Our trade union strongly protests against this violence and interference in trade union affairs.

Our trade union wishes to remind you that the right to join a trade union and to bargain collectively are internationally recognized human rights. Our trade union urges you to intervene without delay in order to make them respected in Korea, particularly ILO Conventions 87 and 98, and to release all imprisoned trade unionists. The IFBWW will continue to monitor the situation.

Kamal Wassef, Vice President for International Relations
Sayed Taha, President

[ back to top ]

Timber Employees Union Peninsular Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur, February 5, 2002

Mr. Kim Dae Jung
President, Republic of Korea

Timber Employees Union Peninsular Malaysia affiliated to the International Federation of Building and Wood Workers (IFBWW) has been appalled to hear of the continued harassment, intimidation and imprisonment of trade union activists due to their trade union activities in South Korea, including Bro. Dan Byung-ho, President of the KCTU.

Timber Employees Union Peninsular Malaysia fully supports the demands of the Korean unions and extends its solidarity to these unions in their struggle. Timber Employees Union Peninsular Malaysia strongly protests against this violence and interference in trade union affairs.

Timber Employees Union Peninsular Malaysia wishes to remind you that the right to join a trade union and to bargain collectively are internationally recognized human rights. Timber Employees Union Peninsular Malaysia urges you to intervene without delay in order to make them respected in Korea, particularly ILO Conventions 87 and 98, and to release all imprisoned trade unionists. The IFBWW will continue to monitor the situation.

Yours truly,

Mohd. Khalid B. HJ. Atan
General Secretary

[ back to top ]

Kenya Quarry & Mine Workers' Union
Nairobi, February 4, 2002

Mr. Kim Dae Jung
President, Republic of Korea

Many Trade Unionists Still Detained:

Kenya Quarry & Mine Workers Union affiliated to the International Federation of Building and Wood Workers (IFBWW) has been appalled to hear of the continued harassment, intimidation and imprisonment of trade union activists due to their trade union activities in South Korea, including Bro. Dan Byung-ho, President of the KCTU.

Kenya Quarry & Mine Workers Union wishes to remind you that the right to join a trade union and to bargain collectively are internationally recognized human rights. Kenya Quarry & Mine Workers Union urges you to intervene without delay in order to make them respected in Korea, particularly ILO Conventions 87 and 98, and to release all imprisoned trade unionists. The IFBWW will continue to monitor the situation.

Yours faithfully,

Wafulla Wa Musamia
National General Secretary

[ back to top ]

FNV Bouw, The Netherlands
Woarden, February 4, 2002

Mr. Kim Dae Jung
President, Republic of Korea

FNV Bouw affiliated to the International Federation of Building and Wood Workers (IFBWW) has been appalled to hear of the continued harassment, intimidation and imprisonment of trade union activists due to their trade union activities in South Korea, including Bro. Dan Byung-ho, President of the KCTU.

FNV Bouw fully supports the demands of the Korean unions and extends its solidarity to these unions in their struggle. FNV Bouw strongly protests against this violence and interference in trade union affairs.

FNV Bouw wishes to remind you that the right to join a trade union and to bargain collectively are internationally recognized human rights. FNV Bouw urges you to intervene without delay in order to make them respected in Korea, particularly ILO Conventions 87 and 98, and to release all imprisoned trade unionists. The IFBWW will continue to monitor the situation.

Roel de Vries
President, IFBWW and FNV Bouw

[ back to top ]

Industriegewerkschaft Bauen-Agrar-Umwelt
Frankfurt, February 4, 2002

Mr. Kim Dae Jung
President, Republic of Korea

Violation of basic trade union rights in your country

Dear Sir,

IG BAU, a construction, forestry and agricultural workers trade union affiliated both to the International Federation of Building and Wood Workers (IFBWW) and the IUF has been appalled to hear of the continued harassment, intimidation and imprisonment of trade union activists due to their trade union activities in South Korea, including Bro. Dan Byung-ho, President of the KCTU.

IG BAU fully supports the demands of the Korean unions and extends its solidarity to these unions in their struggle. We strongly protests against this violence and interference in trade union affairs.

IG BAU wishes to remind you that the right to join a trade union and to bargain collectively are internationally recognized human rights. IG BAU urges you to intervene without delay in order to make them respected in Korea, particularly ILO Conventions 87 and 98, and to release all imprisoned trade unionists. We will continue to monitor the situation.

Yours sincerely,

Klaus Wieseugel
President

[ back to top ]

SKOGS och Träfacket, The Swedish Forest and Wood Trade Union
Stockholm, February 4, 2002

Mr. Kim Dae Jung
President, Republic of Korea

The Swedish Forest and Wood Trade Union affiliated to the International Federation of Building and Wood Workers (IFBWW) has been appalled to hear of the continued harassment, intimidation and imprisonment of trade union activists due to their trade union activities in South Korea, including Bro. Dan Byung-ho, President of the KCTU.

The Swedish Forest and Wood Trade Union fully supports the demands of the Korean unions and extends its solidarity to these unions in their struggle. The Swedish Forest and Wood Trade Union strongly protests against this violence and interference in trade union affairs.

The Swedish Forest and Wood Trade Union wishes to remind you that the right to join a trade union and to bargain collectively are internationally recognized human rights. Our union urges you to intervene without delay in order to make them respected in Korea, particularly ILO Conventions 87 and 98, and to release all imprisoned trade unionists. The IFBWW will continue to monitor the situation.

Kjell Dahlström
President, Swedish Forest and Wood Trade Union

[ back to top ]

IFBWW Janpanese Affiliates Council
Tokyo, January 31, 2002

Mr. Kim Dae Jung
President, Republic of Korea

Sir, Your Excellency,

IFBWW-Japanese Affiliates Council (JAC), representing 35,000 membership has been appalled to hear of the continued harassment, intimidation and imprisonment of trade union activists due to their trade union activities in South Korea, including Bro. Dan Byung-ho, President of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU).

We, JAC, will fully support the demands of the Korean unions and extends its solidarity to these unions in their struggle. We strongly protests against this violence and interference in trade union affairs.

Since long years before, your nation has been numerated as a member of highly developed countries, and voluntary meddling in trade unions and harassment of union activists is shameful behaviour, especially, disregarding ILO Conventions 87 and 98, in which stipulated the right to join a trade union and to bargain collectively, and respect human and trade union rights.

We urge you to intervene immediately to release all imprisoned trade unionists, and reinstate them in normal conditions.

We, JAC, will continue to watch over the process on this affairs.

Yours Sincerely,

Minoru Michibayashi
Chairman of IFBWW-JAC

[ back to top ]

Budowlani, Poland
Warsaw, January 31, 2002

Mr. Kim Dae Jung
President, Republic of Korea

Trade Union "Budowlani", Poland affiliated to the International Federation of Building and Wood Workers (IFBWW) has been appalled to hear of the continued harassment, intimidation and imprisonment of trade union activists due to their trade union activities in South Korea, including Bro. Dan Byung-ho, President of the KCTU.

Trade Union "Budowlani" fully supports the demands of the Korean unions and extends its solidarity to these unions in their struggle. Trade Union "Budowlani" strongly protests against this violence and interference in trade union affairs.

Trade Union "Budowlani" wishes to remind you that the right to join a trade union and to bargain collectively are internationally recognized human rights. Trade Union "Budowlani" urges you to intervene without delay in order to make them respected in Korea, particularly ILO Conventions 87 and 98, and to release all imprisoned trade unionists. The IFBWW will continue to monitor the situation.

Zbigniew Janowski
President

[ back to top ]

Gewerkschaft Bau & Industri
Zurich, January 31, 2002

Mr. Kim Dae Jung
President, Republic of Korea

The Swiss Construction & Industry Trade Union affiliated to the International Federation of Building and Wood Workers (IFBWW) has been appalled to hear of the continued harassment, intimidation and imprisonment of trade union activists due to their trade union activities in South Korea, including Bro. Dan Byung-ho, President of the KCTU.

The Swiss Construction & Industry Trade Union fully supports the demands of the Korean unions and extends its solidarity to these unions in their struggle. The Swiss Construction & Industry Union strongly protests against this violence and interference in trade union affairs.

The Swiss Construction & Industry Trade Union wishes to remind you that the right to join a trade union and to bargain collectively are internationally recognized human rights. The Swiss Construction & Industry Trade Union urges you to intervene without delay in order to make them respected in Korea, particularly ILO Conventions 87 and 98, and to release all imprisoned trade unionists. The IFBWW will continue to monitor the situation.

Vasco Pedrina
President

[ back to top ]

National Distribution Union
Auckland, January 31, 2002

Mr. Kim Dae Jung
President, Republic of Korea

Dear Mr Kim Dae Jung

The National Distribution Union affiliated to the International Federation of Building and Wood Workers (IFBWW) has been appalled to hear of the continued harassment, intimidation and imprisonment of trade union activists due to their trade union activities in South Korea, including Bro. Dan Byung-ho, President of the KCTU.

The National Distribution Union fully supports the demands of the Korean unions and extends its solidarity to these unions in their struggle. The National Distribution Union strongly protests against this violence and interference in trade union affairs.

The National Distribution Union wishes to remind you that the right to join a trade union and to bargain collectively are internationally recognized human rights. The National Distribution Union urges you to intervene without delay in order to make them respected in Korea, particularly ILO Conventions 87 and 98, and to release all imprisoned trade unionists. The IFBWW will continue to monitor the situation.

Yours faithfully,

Jim Jones
Sector Secretary - WOOD

[ back to top ]

Teamsters Canada
St. Albert, January 30, 2002

Mr. Kim Dae Jung
President, Republic of Korea

Dear Sir:

Teamsters Canada affiliated to the International Federation of Building and Wood Workers (IFBWW) has been appalled to hear of the continued harassment, intimidation and imprisonment of trade union activists due to their trade union activities in South Korea, including Bro. Dan Byung-ho, President of the KCTU.

Teamsters Canada fully supports the demands of the Korean unions and extends its solidarity to these unions in their struggle. Teamsters Canada strongly protests against this violence and interference in trade union affairs.

Teamster Canada wishes to remind you that the right to join a trade union and to bargain collectively are internationally recognized human rights. Teamsters Canada urges you to intervene without delay in order to make them respected in Korea, particularly ILO Conventions 87 and 98, and to release all imprisoned trade unionists. The IFBWW will continue to monitor the situation.

Yours very truly

Larry M. McDonald
International Representative

[ back to top ]

Federación estatal de construccion, Madera y afines - FECOMA-CC.OO
Madrid, January 30, 2002

Mr. Kim Dae Jung
President, Republic of Korea

FECOMA-CC.OO affiliated to the International Federation of Building and Wood Workers (IFBWW) has been appalled to hear of the continued harassment, intimidation and imprisonment of trade union activists due to their trade union activities in South Korea, including Bro. Dan Byung-ho, President of the KCTU.

FECOMA-CC.OO fully supports the demands of the Korean unions and extends its solidarity to these unions in their struggle. FECOMA-CC.OO strongly protests against this violence and interference in trade union affairs.

FECOMA-CC.OO wishes to remind you that the right to join a trade union and to bargain collectively are internationally recognized human rights. FECOMA-CC.OO urges you to intervene without delay in order to make them respected in Korea, particularly ILO Conventions 87 and 98, and to release all imprisoned trade unionists. The IFBWW will continue to monitor the situation.

Fernando Serrano Pernas
General Secretary

[ back to top ]

TÜRKÍYE ORMAN ÍSÇILERÍ SENDÍKASI GENEL MERKEZÍ
Ankara, January 29, 2002

Mr. Kim Dae Jung
President, Republic of Korea

Forestry Workers Union of Turkey affiliated to the International Federation of Building and Wood Workers (IFBWW) has been appalled to hear of the continued harassment, intimidation and imprisonment of trade union activists due to their trade union activities in South Korea, including Bro. Dan Byung-ho, President of the KCTU.

Forestry Workers Union of Turkey fully supports the demands of the Korean unions and extends its solidarity to these unions in their struggle. Forestry Workers Union of Turkey strongly protests against this violence and interference in trade union affairs.

Forestry Workers Union of Turkey wishes to remind you that the right to join a trade union and to bargain collectively are internationally recognized human rights. Forestry Workers Union of Turkey urges you to intervene without delay in order to make them respected in Korea, particularly ILO Conventions 87 and 98, and to release all imprisoned trade unionists. The IFBWW will continue to monitor the situation.

Mehnet KAFES, President
Naci UÇAR, Genel Seckreter

[ back to top ]

International Federation of Building and Wood Workers
Geneva, January 28, 2002

Mr. Kim Dae Jung
President, Republic of Korea

Dear Sir,

The International Federation of Building an Wood Workers (IFBWW), representing 290 trade unions with over 11 million members in 127 countries, defending trade union rights worldwide, has been informed of the recent International Day of Action organised by the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) affiliated to the International Confederation of Trade Unions (ICFTU).

According to the information received, harassment, intimidation and imprisonment of trade unionists have been continuing in South Korea these past four years despite your election as South Korea's President. Violence and interference in trade union affairs have also continued unabated. In this period, over 650 trade unionists have been incarcerated for carrying out their trade union tasks. Among them, Bro. Dan Byung-ho, President of the KCTU, as well as many other trade union leaders and activists remaining in jail awaiting their trial.

The IFBWW strongly protests against your government's anti-union attitude. The IFBWW wishes to remind you that the right to join a trade union and to bargain collectively form part of internationally recognized human rights. The IFBWW urges you therefore to intervene without delay in order to make internationally recognised standards respected in South Korea and accept the Korean unions' legitimate demands for the release of all imprisoned trade unionists. The IFBWW fully supports the Korean unions in their struggle and will continue to monitor the case.

Sincerely,

Anita Normark
General Secretary

[ back to top ]

Dr Les Levidow
London, January 23, 2002

Mr. Kim Dae-Jung
President of the Republic of Korea

Dear Mr. Kim Dae-Jung:

I am writing this letter to urge you to secure the immediate release from prison of Dan Byung-Ho, president of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU), Mun Sung-hyun, president of the KCTU-KMFW (Metal Workers' Federation), and all the trade unionists who have been jailed for their trade union activity.

As supporters of labor rights and democratic rights, I find it unacceptable that the Korean authorities have jailed trade unionists in Korea for participating in strike actions and for engaging in trade union activity. Their continued detention is not only a violation of basic trade union rights, it is a violation of their most basic democratic rights.

I will not stand by as these rights are violated!

Sincerely,

Dr Les Levidow
member, Association of University Teachers, London, UK

[ back to top ]

Marian Pallister
Scotland, January 23, 2002

Mr. Kim Dae-Jung
President of the Republic of Korea

Dear Mr. Kim Dae-Jung:

We are writing you to urge you to secure the immediate release from prison of Dan Byung-Ho, president of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU), Mun Sung-hyun, president of the KCTU-KMFW (Metal Workers' Federation) and all the trade unionists who have been jailed for their trade union activity.

As supporters of labor rights and democratic rights, we find it unacceptable that the Korean authorities have jailed trade unionists in Korea for participating in strike actions and for engaging in trade union activity. Their continued detention is not only a violation of basic trade union rights, it is a violation of their most basic democratic rights.

We will not stand by as these rights are violated!

Sincerely,

Marian Pallister
freelance journalist, Scotland, UK
(National Union of Journalists)

[ back to top ]

Lee, Siew Hwa, WIMTEC
Malaysia

Dear comrades, there was an action - protest and submit protest letter to korean embassy in malaysia. The IMF-Malaysia - the unionists - did the protest. Please contact Syed Shahril from National Transport Equipment and Allied Industries Workers (NUTEAIW), Malaysia (Executive Secretary).

thanks,

Lee, Siew Hwa
WIMTEC, Malaysia

[ back to top ]

International Longshore & Warehouse Union
San Francisco, January 22, 2002

The Honorable Kim Dae Jung
President of the Republic Of Korea

Dear Mr. President,

As you know President Kim, the International Longshore and Warehouse Union has a very long tradition of supporting labor and de