Activist dies while workers stage massive strikes

This week, Baek Nam-ki, a South Korean farmer died in hospital from water cannon injuries received during a demonstration in November last year. This action was part of a series of working class mobilisations that have seen many South Korean union leaders jailed. Nevertheless, workers are continuing to organise and protest. The Korean Public Transport Union began a nationwide strike (see here and here) last Tuesday against proposed government cutbacks, while a number of other unions staged a huge rally in Seoul along with strike actions. The situation for workers in South Korea is also attracting a lot of international attention and support (see here and here).

This week, Baek Nam-ki, a South Korean farmer died in hospital from water cannon injuries received during a demonstration in November last year. This action was part of a series of working class mobilisations that have seen many South Korean union leaders jailed. Nevertheless, workers are continuing to organise and protest. The Korean Public Transport Union began a nationwide strike (see here and here) last Tuesday against proposed government cutbacks, while a number of other unions staged a huge rally in Seoul along with strike actions. The situation for workers in South Korea is also attracting a lot of international attention and support (see here and here).