[vol.5] NEWS_BIG NEWS IN THE DEMOCRATIC TRADE UNION MOVEMENT IN KOREA

BIG NEWS IN THE DEMOCRATIC TRADE UNION MOVEMENT IN KOREA Establishment of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) which is called MinjuNojo in Korean. On November 12th, about 50,000 workers participated in a street march followed by a mass rally for the establishment of the KCTU and to protest against the government's refusal to recognise the new confederation. Workers protested against President Kim, Young-Sam's repressive labour policies, and demanded his recognition of the new national democratic trade union center, the KCTU. Workers also demanded the arrest of former president Roh, Tae-Woo and that Kim, Young-Sam must prove that he did not receive bribe money from Roh. "We want to stop the illegal dealings between government and business", was the workers' demand. The new KCTU will be in opposition to the FKTU which is recognised by the government. However, the KCTU represents about 25% of all organised workers but the Korean government refuses to recognise it. Workers also demanded that Kim, Young-Sam resign because his government continues to support repressive labor policies.