CALL FOR AN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF ACTION ON NOVEMBER 15th : CONDEMN GOVERNMENT REPRESSION AGAINST FUNDAMENTAL TRADE UNION RIGHTS IN SOUTH KOREA


When South Korea joined the Organization of Economic and Commercial Development (OECD) in 1996, there was much hoopla and expectations. To the international community it appeared that South Korea was on the brink of shedding is shameful image of dictatorship that undermined democracy and fundamental trade union rights. At the time, South Korea had agreed that it would amend its existing labour legislation in line with existing international labour standards and OECD guidelines. However, ten years later, South Korea has still a long way to go. The recent repressive actions of the South Korean government under the Roh Moon Hyun administration clearly shows that South Korea has failed as an economically developed democratic country in ensuring fundamental trade union rights according to international labour standards.

In March of this year, the Governing Body of the ILO approved the interim report made by the Committee on Freedom of Association. Apparently, the South Korea case was the longest of outstanding case within the CFA aside from one filed against Columbia. The recommendations raised serious concerns on the government