KMWU Initiate Strike to Support Subcontract Workers at DSME
The Korean Metal Workers’ Union (KMWU) under the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions initiated a general strike on July 20 in Seoul and Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering in Geoje. The strike is to support subcontract workers working for DSME.
“The South Korean government closed its ears to the subcontract workers’ demands for better treatment and is even considering sending law enforcement officials to the strike site,” the KMWU said. That day, approximately 5,000 workers participated in Seoul and Geoje each. In addition, about 2,000 activists from 60 civic groups are preparing a Saturday demonstration.
With the strike showing no signs of ending, a conflict between workers is coming to the surface, too. The DSME union is going to take a vote on July 21 and 22 on whether to withdraw from the KMWU. On July 20, the DSME employees held a rally in their Okpo Shipyard in Geoje, calling for the KMWU members working for the shipbuilder to stop their strike.
The subcontract workers and their employers initiated another round of negotiations on July 20, the 49th day of the strike. Employment and Labor Minister Lee Jung-sik visited the strike site on July 19 and 20.