Alex Bainbridge, Sydney
Fifty unionists protested outside the Korean embassy on September 12 in support of striking construction workers in Korea. The Korean workers are facing jail, injury and even death in pursuit of their demands for better working conditions.
On August 1, Ha Joong Keun died after being beaten by riot police in connection with a strike at the Pohang Steel Corporation (POSCO — the fourth largest steel producer in the world) that began in July. Pohang construction workers typically earn less than the poorly paid construction workers in other parts of Korea. The union's demands were for a 15% pay rise, a five-day (instead of seven-day) week and better working conditions, including improvements in workers' woeful shower and toilet facilities.
On July 11, POSCO came to an agreement with the union, but two days later brought in scabs to replace the striking workers. This provocation resulted in 3000 workers marching to the company headquarters. When the company called in riot police, the workers entered the headquarters and occupied several floors.
Ha Joong Keun was beaten at a solidarity rally outside the occupied building. Scores of others were injured and 138 unionists were arrested after the occupation ended on July 20.
A visiting Korean unionist, who fears arrest on his return to Korea, told Green Left Weekly, "Construction workers haven't given up their struggle. They are preparing for more struggle next year." The Sydney solidarity action was organised by the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union.