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S. Korea's 'largest strike in history' fizzles
But union leaders vow to maintain pressure
January 14, 1997
Web posted at: 2:10 p.m. EST (1910 GMT)SEOUL, South Korea (CNN) -- The ranks were much smaller than expected Tuesday as roughly 50,000 workers participated in what was initially billed as the largest strike in South Korea's history.
The all-out work stoppage was called for by two rival union groups and was intended to paralyze the economy, capping off three weeks of joint strikes against a controversial new labor law.
However, banks stayed open, most manufacturing companies were unscathed and public transportation ran smoothly, despite striking taxi drivers.
White-collar workers join protests
The only major difference after three weeks of anti-government rallies was the appearance of white-collar office workers among the participants.
The so-called "necktie brigade" showed up to voice their concern over the new law, which makes it easier for companies to fire them.
Office worker Park Chan-Kyu, who arranges financing for the National Livestock Cooperative, joined the anti-government chanters after lunch. Park, the father of two preschoolers, is scheduled to return to his job Wednesday, but he says the law is threatening his way of life.
"The banking sector is due for a major restructuring involving mergers and acquisitions," Park said. "So, the easiest sector to start massive layoffs, I think, is in my business."
Demonstrators, police clash at cathedral
While Tuesday's all-out stoppage fizzled, clashes did erupt later in the day as riot police tried to prevent protesters from gathering at Seoul's Myongdong Cathedral.
Labor leaders were still camped within the church grounds and maintained they would keep up the pressure on the government until the new law is rescinded. And many workers seemed prepared to strike and participate in the rallies for as long as necessary.
Striking worker Choi Jae-Sung joined in the protests to further a more political agenda.
"I think this government can't do anything right and there is a general consensus about their failure," she said. "I am out here to add my voice."
The leaders of the officially-recognized Federation of Korean Trade Unions and the outlawed Korean Confederation of Trade Unions issued a vague promise late Tuesday to work together for the common goal of seeing the new labor law abolished.
However, it was unclear whether the joint strikes would continue Wednesday.
CNN Seoul Bureau Chief Sohn Jie-Ae and Reuters contributed to this report.
Related stories:
- S. Korea workers, police clash outside cathedral - January 12, 1997
- S. Korea police to arrest leaders of crippling strike - January 10, 1997
- Korea clamps down on strikers - January 9, 1997
- S. Korean strikers plan partial resumption of work - January 8, 1997
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