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South Korea's Umbrella Union FKTU Boycotts Presidential Advisory Board in Protest Against Labor Crackdown

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Ravichandran Devendran
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Umbrella Union FKTU Boycotts Presidential Advisory Board in Protest Against Labor Crackdown
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Image Credit: Yonhap

FKTU Boycotts Presidential Advisory Board

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The Federation of Korean Trade Unions (FKTU), one of South Korea's main umbrella labor unions, has made the decision to boycott the presidential advisory board for labor policies. This move comes as a direct response to a recent police crackdown on a labor sit-in, sparking tensions between the union and the Yoon Suk Yeol government.

Locking Horns Over Labor Reform

The FKTU has been engaged in a contentious battle with the current government over various labor reform plans. Of particular concern is the proposed loosening of the 52-hour workweek, which has drawn criticism from the union. The recent police intervention at a labor rally in front of POSCO's factory in Gwangyang further escalated the dispute.

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Suspension of Participation in the Presidential Board

In an emergency meeting of the FKTU's central executive committee, held in the union's regional office in the southern city, a decision was made to suspend the union's participation in the presidential advisory board. This move marks the first time in over seven years that the FKTU has resorted to boycotting the main channel of government-labor communication.

Unveiling Protest Plans

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The FKTU intends to embark on an all-out protest against the Yoon government, aiming to challenge what they perceive as strong oppression of the labor sector. The union plans to hold a press conference outside the presidential office in Seoul on Thursday to officially announce their meeting results and express their grievances.

Twofold Protest

As per the FKTU spokesperson, the objective of the protest is twofold: to stand up against the government's actions and to hold it accountable for its treatment of the labor sector. The boycott and subsequent protest are seen as a bold stance taken by the FKTU to protect the rights and interests of workers across the country.

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The FKTU's decision to boycott the presidential advisory board reflects the escalating tensions between labor unions and the government in South Korea. It underscores the importance of open dialogue and cooperation between these two entities to ensure the well-being and rights of workers are effectively addressed.

With the labor sector being a crucial component of the country's economy, it is essential for both the government and labor unions to find common ground and establish effective mechanisms for addressing labor-related issues. The current standoff between the FKTU and the Yoon Suk Yeol government highlights the urgent need for constructive dialogue and compromise.

In the coming days, all eyes will be on the FKTU's press conference outside the presidential office, where the union will outline its protest plans and call for solidarity among workers. The outcome of this boycott and subsequent protest could have far-reaching implications for labor policies in South Korea and the relationship between labor unions and the government.

South Korea Union Protest Labor Rights Labor FKTU Union Power.
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