Gov't vows legal action against 8,000-strong labor union rally

Members of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) stage a massive rally in central Seoul, Saturday, demanding law revisions to improve working conditions for irregular workers, a minimum wage hike and a safer working environment. Yonhap

By Lee Hyo-jin

The government has vowed to take legal action against a massive rally held by the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) on Saturday, which the umbrella union pushed ahead with despite the government's warning that it would be in violation of quarantine measures against the coronavirus pandemic.

Health authorities and police have called the rally “illegal” and are reviewing what charges to file.

“It was technically an illegal rally as the permit application was denied. It is highly disappointing. We will soon take the necessary legal action,” Sohn Young-rae, a spokesperson at the Ministry of Health and Welfare, said at a briefing, Monday.

President Moon Jae-in also took a stern stance. “It is inevitable to take stern legal measures against collective actions that violate quarantine rules, such as illegal mass rallies,” he said during a meeting with aides at Cheong Wa Dae.

The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency said it has launched a special investigation team consisting of 52 officers to look into the case.

“So far we have booked six key participants on suspicions of violating the Law on Assembly and Demonstration, the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act, and obstructing traffic,” a police officer said.

Ahead of the rally, the Seoul Metropolitan Government, which currently bans demonstrations of more than 10 people, had denied permission for the gathering and notified the union multiple times to refrain from holding the event.

The KCTU, however, pushed ahead with the rally on Saturday. Around 8,000 participants gathered around 2 p.m. in downtown Seoul and marched several hundred meters demanding better labor conditions, elimination of irregular job positions and minimum wage increases.

It protested the government's move to take legal action and pledged to launch a full-scale walkout in November.

“The government allows people to attend outdoor sporting events and concerts, while banning demonstrations,” a union member said at a press conference, Monday, calling on the government to guarantee freedom of expression and assembly.