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22 November, 1999The International Metalworkers' Federation welcomes the news that the KCTU has, at long last, received legal union status.
KOREA, REP: After years of very hard conflict, and four previous attempts to win legal recognition, the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions has finally been formally recognised by the South Korean government and can now operate as a free and independent trade union. Upon hearing from the KCTU, IMF General Secretary Marcello Malentacchi was elated and said, "This is great news and an important victory, for both the Korean and the international trade union movement."
The KCTU declared in a statement today, November 23, that their "legal recognition" is the "final seal of recognition" for the struggle and aspiration that the KCTU represents. "It is the vindication of the demands of Korean workers who have refused to live as second class citizens, who fought to win a voice in the society, politics, and at work."
In a press conference to announce the KCTU's good news, their president, Dan Byung-ho, a true veteran of their fight to gain legal status, declared: "We shall continue to struggle to realise the fruition of the democratic trade union movement ... on the foundation of the principles of independence, democracy, struggle, and moral strength, which have been kept alive by so many pioneers who gave their lives in the course of our struggle."
The government move in favour of the KCTU comes at a time of continued labour and civic unrest in the country over government economic policy. So there will certainly be more hard fights ahead.
The KCTU declared in a statement today, November 23, that their "legal recognition" is the "final seal of recognition" for the struggle and aspiration that the KCTU represents. "It is the vindication of the demands of Korean workers who have refused to live as second class citizens, who fought to win a voice in the society, politics, and at work."
In a press conference to announce the KCTU's good news, their president, Dan Byung-ho, a true veteran of their fight to gain legal status, declared: "We shall continue to struggle to realise the fruition of the democratic trade union movement ... on the foundation of the principles of independence, democracy, struggle, and moral strength, which have been kept alive by so many pioneers who gave their lives in the course of our struggle."
The government move in favour of the KCTU comes at a time of continued labour and civic unrest in the country over government economic policy. So there will certainly be more hard fights ahead.