Key facts
- The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) will stage a general strike next week.
- The strike is a demand for businesses to negotiate directly with subcontracted workers.
- An amended labor law, the 'yellow envelope act,' enacted in March, aims to bolster these rights.
- The KCTU reports that prime contractors are largely evading direct negotiations.
- Around 10,000 workers are expected to participate in the action.
- A rally is scheduled in Seoul's Gwanghwamun Square.
SEOUL, July 8 (Yonhap) -- A major umbrella labor union, the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU), announced plans for a general strike next Wednesday, demanding that businesses engage in direct negotiations with subcontracted workers.
The union argues that despite the recent enactment of an amended labor law, known as the 'yellow envelope act,' which expanded subcontracted workers' bargaining rights and increased prime contractor accountability, many businesses are resisting direct talks.
According to KCTU head Yang Kyeung-soo, unions under its umbrella have requested negotiations with over 400 primary contractors in the past four months, but actual negotiations have only occurred in four instances. Yang stated that workers have no choice but to fight back when prime contractors evade responsibility.
Approximately 10,000 workers are expected to participate in the strike, with a rally planned near Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul.