- Publishing a white action paper from the Action Center for Women's Unemployment
KWWAU published a white action paper from the Action Centers for Women's Unemployment(ACWU) for the last six months (between June 9, 1998 and December 29, 1998). ACWUs aim to raise problems of female unemployment as social issues and to demand comprehensive and long-term unemployment policies.
The publication contains various activities of ACWUs. The first chapter is about its major activities, the second chapter includes an action photo report, the third chapter reports on the situation and tasks of ACWUs and the fourth chapter is a collection of materials and articles related to ACWUs' action.
It covers various fields of activities such as counseling, education, research, organization, medical support, job training, livelihood support,self-sustainability and computeri- zation, which shows activities of ACWUs across the nation.
- Organizing a workshop on the direction of the women workers' movement
KWWAU, KCTU, FKTU and Women's Link jointly held a "workshop on the direction of the women workers' movement" (in a main hall of FKTU on January 11, 1999). It was designed to reckon on issues and activities of trade unions and women workers which are the main pillar in the women workers' movement, and to develop and promote the women workers' movement.
The four organizers presented their action plans and tasks. And then, Professor Cho, Soon-kyong presented tasks in the women workers' movement. This was valuable to exchange one anothers' situations and share our opinions.
- The seventh general assembly was organized
KWWAU organized the seventh general assembly in the main hall of SWWA on January 10, 1999. Representatives from eight(8) branches across the nation were present to evaluate activities of KWWAU in 1998 and approve its action plans for 1999. Maria Rhie was re-appointed as its representative. Discussions on its development direction were held.
- Carrying out educational training for counselors of the "Equal Rights Counseling Center"
KWWAU carried out educational training of counselors of the "Equal Rights Counseling Center", targeting activists of Women Workers Associations and female executives of KCTU and FKTU on February 5 and 6, 1999.
The training provided classes on enacted laws Banning Gender Discrimination and Redemption, and the Employment Equality Law amended last January. The training was effective on the form of lecture and workshop.
- Opening Counseling Centers Against Discriminatory Employment Restructuring, Indirect Discrimination and Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
KWWAU, KCTU, FKTU and Women's Link jointly opened a "Counseling Center Against Discriminatory Employment Restructuring, Indirect Discrimination and Sexual Harassment in the Workplace" to address discriminatory dismissals, indirect discrimination and sexual harassment in the workplace, wich have worsened amidst the current economic crisis.
The four organizations will receive counseling about these issues and at the same time they will carry out administrative and legal action in solidarity such as campaigning, waging rallies, making suits and accusations.
Activities such as demanding adequate implementation of the law and practice in the workplace are expected to be shields for preventing and stopping women from being discriminated against in regard to discriminatory employment restructuring.
- Holding a Korean Women Workers' Rally in commemoration of the 91st International Women's Day
On March 6, 1999 a "Korean Women Workers' Rally" was jointly held with KWWAU, FKTU, KCTU and Women's Link. During the rally, presidents of the four organizations cited current issues such as discriminatory employment and increasing number of irregular women workers, other employment issues, reduction of working hours in their opening addresses.
They emphasized obtaining employment security and expanding structures through women workers' unity and solidarity. A video about women workers was shown, looking back on the women worker's movement in 1998, and a drama criticized the reality in which women workers experience severe dismissals and unemployment, and showed our hope to overcome this reality.
Performers and audiences became one. It was also a site for making a resolution to wage stronger struggles. Seven regional Women Workers Associations held their local women workers' rallies- the Kwangju Women Workers Association on March 9, Masan & Changwon on March 10, Inchon on March 11, Jinju on March 12, Pusan on March 13, Ansan on March 14, and North Cholla Province March 20. A total number of about 2,000 women workers took part in the rallies to show their solidarity and fighting spirits.
Korea Working Women's Network 1999