Korea clamps down on strikers

January 9, 1997
Web posted at: 10:30 p.m. EST (0330 GMT)

SEOUL, South Korea (CNN) -- Striking workers clashed with riot police Thursday as labor leaders continued a nationwide protest against a new labor law.

Riot police fired tear gas at about 4,000 protesters scattered in central Seoul, virtually stopping evening rush hour traffic.

Shouting protesters demanded the repeal of the new law, rammed through the national assembly last month. They claim the law threatens job security by making it easier for companies to dismiss workers.

The Seoul government has maintained a hard-lined stance against the protests, threatening stern measures against the strikes.

Prosecutors Thursday sought arrest warrants for leaders of the outlawed Korea confederation of trade unions, which is organizing the recent strikes.

 

Related stories:

• S. Korean strikers plan partial resumption of work - January 8, 1997
• South Korea tries to squelch labor protest - January 6, 1996
• South Korean strikes ease, but unions vow more protests - December 30, 1996
• South Korean workers stage fourth day of protests - December 29, 1996

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• Korea Herald

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