한국어 번역 On 20 December 2010, workers at Hanjin Heavy Industries shipbuilding in Busan, South Korea, took industrial action against company lay-offs of over 400 workers. From day one management hired thugs and police have used violence and dirty tactics to break any resistance to layoffs. Female worker Kim Jin Seok has occupied a crane at the workplace for the entire duration of the strike and at present she is still occupying the crane after months of bitter struggle. Send your message of solidarity to the KMWU international department at: inter@metal.nodong.org — Read more at IMF —- Full story
한국어 번역 On 20 December 2010, workers at Hanjin Heavy Industries shipbuilding in Busan, South Korea, took industrial action against company lay-offs of over 400 workers. From day one management hired thugs and police have used violence and dirty tactics to break any resistance to layoffs. Female worker Kim Jin Seok has occupied a crane at the workplace for the entire duration of the strike and at present she is still occupying the crane after months of bitter struggle. Send your message of solidarity to the KMWU international department at: inter@metal.nodong.org — Read more at IMF —- Full story
The workers were laid off under the pretext that the company was having financial problems, however shareholders received $170,000 in dividends immediately after the dismissals. The mass dismissal of workers can not be justified, since Hanjin has enjoyed a profit margin of 13.7 per cent for its shipbuilding works in 2010.
The Hanjin dispute has become a major social issue in South Korea and has attracted the support of many prominent members of the community including religious leaders, TV drama stars and famous activists. Four “Hope Bus” rallies have been held in support of the workers, these were large nationwide convergences by bus loads of activists across the country in support of Busan workers. Durning the “Hope Bus” rallies many social issues were raised including the struggles of casual workers, women’s righs, gay rights, and the rights of immigrant workers.The workers struggle in Busan has now become more than just an industrial relations dispute, it is a symbol of definace against social injustice in Korean society.The next “Hope Bus” convergence will be on October 8.
Above: Kim Jin Seok on crane no.85 which she has occupied since January.
All workers should support the workers from Hanjin Heavy Industries in their continued struggle for a total victory against lay-offs. We stand by Kim Jin Seok in her brave occupation of the crane. It is important for workers across the world to challenge job cuts. Capitalism across the globe is trying to increase profits by shedding jobs and increasing the intensity of work, every victory against this is a victory for all workers.
Send your message of solidarity to the KMWU international department at: inter@metal.nodong.org