1. Government and enterprises should respond strongly to the KCTU’s all-out strike on 20 July since it is an illegal political strike which lacks legitimacy in objective
The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) gave notice of its intent to carry out a large-scale all-out strike on 20 July and general strikes from 25 June to 23 July to block labor reform and hold conglomerates more accountable.
Plans include j going on strike for at least 2 hours at workplaces with the right to strike, k holding general meetings at workplaces without the right to strike, and l carrying out a nationwide general strike and rallies.
The possibility exists that unions with the right to strike will engage in field strikes on 20 July. These unions may include the National Health Insurance Corporation Union under the Public Transport Workers Union.
2. KCTU’s acting president expected to continue the umbrella union’s position as the absence of the KCTU president has extended
On 4 July, the Seoul Central District Court ruled that KCTU president Han Sang-gyun (present term expires at end of December 2017) was guilty of instigating illegal strikes last year and sentenced him to five years in prison with a fine of KRW 500,000.
As the absence of the existing KCTU president has extended over a long period of time, the acting president is expected to continue the KCTU position at least until the November rally. There is a possibility that union executives will resign, followed by establishment of an emergency planning committee if the 2nd KCTU general strikes in September and the rally in November fail.
The KCTU and its affiliated industrial unions seem to be cautious in terms of expanding their struggle due to the ruling of the court.