A large-scale rally in downtown Seoul today… Strict response to police illegal acts

On the followingnoon of the 28th, Yang Kyung-soo (second from right in the front row) and Kim Dong-myeong (third from right), Chairman of the Korean Trade Unions, took part in the ‘Two major trade union resolution convention to raise the minimum wage’ held in front of the Ministry of Employment and Labor in Sejong Government Complex on the followingnoon of the 28th. They are also chanting slogans calling for an increase in the minimum wage. photo = news 1

The National Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) will hold the National Workers’ Congress in downtown Seoul on the 2nd and march through the city. Police said they would take strict action in case of illegal activity.

The KCTU plans to hold the ‘July 2nd National Workers’ Congress’ in the Seoul Plaza area at 2 pm on the 2nd. From around 1 pm, the public transport union, construction union, and national courier union union will hold a preliminary rally in the Eulji-ro area. About 45,000 people gather around Sejong-daero from 2pm to 4:30pm to hold a rally.

After the rally, approximately 30,000 people will march using three lanes (excluding bus lanes) divided into ▲ Sungnyemun – Seoul Station – Samgakji ▲ Daehanmun – Seoul Station – Samgakji ▲ Seoul Plaza – Seoul Station – Samgakji.

The Confederation of Trade Unions calls for a halt to the retreat of wages and working hours, the abolition of non-regular workers, and the acquisition of labor rights without discrimination.

Police warned that if illegal activities occur at the rally, strict action will be taken. In addition, information boards will be installed around the assembly and march sections and regarding 500 police officers will be deployed.

The police urged people to bypass the congested section or use public transportation as traffic congestion is expected due to the National Workers’ Convention that day.

Shin Yong-hyun, reporter at Hankyung.com [e-mail]