By Kim Tae-jong
The unionized workers of MBC went on a general strike in an attempt to oust the broadcaster’s President Kim Jae-chul for broadcasting what they call politically biased programs.
It said 83.4 percent of the union members participated in the vote and 69.4 percent of them approved of the walkout.
The union claims that Kim should step down in order to preserve the neutrality of the public broadcasting network and to end the airing of programs with a pro-government slant.
“We have been disgraceful for the past two years,” said Jeong Young-ha, president of the union. “We should make MBC a broadcaster for the people not for the Lee Myung-bak administration.”
Jeong also vowed to continue the strike until their demand is met. It is the first general strike in 20 months since a strike in 2010. At that time, they also demanded Kim’s resignation right after his appointment, claiming that Cheong Wa Dae was influencing personnel management at MBC through Kim.
The current strike is taking place a few days after a production boycott by MBC reporters protesting executives’ allegedly unfair programming.
Since last Wednesday, reporters have refused to participate in its production, forcing the broadcasting firm to cut hours of news programs. Due to the strike, the majority of popular programs are expected to be disrupted.
Management is standing firm in its stance, calling the walkout “illegal” and urging union members to return to work.
“This is obviously an illegal and political strike,” Kim said in a statement. “Those who participate in the illegal strike will face due punishment.”