President Yoon Suk Yeol's drastic move to introduce martial law was a dangerous overstep of democratic boundaries and undermines the principles of governance. The union movement plays a pivotal role in safeguarding democracy, protecting workers' rights and ensuring justice for all. Attempts to curtail these rights threaten not only the unions but the very foundation of democracy in South Korea.
IndustriALL supports the union mobilization, including the Korean Confederation of Trade Union’s call for a general strike today and tomorrow, as well as the call from all affiliates for President Yoon Suk Yeol to step down.
The illegal suspension of democratic rights and imposition of military rule, even for one night, represent a blatant attack on democracy. In a world where democratic space is increasingly under threat, such actions cannot be ignored or left unchallenged. We must send a clear message that any assault on democratic principles will face strong resistance.
IndustriALL calls on the next President of South Korea to uphold democratic principles, respect the rule of law, and engage in meaningful dialogue with all stakeholders, including the union movement.
Democracy is non-negotiable, and any deviation from it cannot and will not be tolerated.
Photo credit: Korean Confederation of Trade Unions