7 April, 2006
BAE, Kang-wook
President
Korean Chemical and Textile Workers Federation (KCTF)
Third floor, Woosung Building
94-14 Yeongdeungpo-dong 7-ga
Yeongdeungpo
Seoul 150-037
SOUTH KOREA
by fax: + 82-2-26.32.47.55
by e-mail: [email protected]
Dear Sisters and Brothers of KCTF-KCTU in Korea,
We are informed by the ICEM that your union has been, since 2004, the victim of an anti-union repression by GS Caltex, and that you now have decided to launch a boycott campaign against GS Caltex products in Korea. This letter is meant to offer our union’s support and encouragement in your courageous fight against the unfair labor practices by GS Caltex.
We understand that some 30 union leaders at GS Caltex have been dismissed in August 2004 and that eight have faced criminal charges for carrying out their legitimate union duties. It is clear that GS Caltex wanted to punish these dedicated trade unionists, as well as the KCFT-KCTU itself, for its trade union actions. This behavior by the company is abhorrent and far from what can and should be expected in developed and civilized nations. GS Caltex needs to start bargaining in good-faith.
It is also deplorable that the South Korean Government has collaborated with the management of GS Caltex by assisting in the suppression of reasonable union demands through dispatching anti-riot police units and arresting union members.
We salute KCFT-KCTU for undertaking this brave struggle in defense of basic trade union rights, particularly the fight for freedom of association. Please know that the members and leaders of our union stand firmly with you in your pursuit of justice and dignity.
Fraternally,
(Name)
(Title)
(Union)