The general strike of December 1996–March 1997

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Labor groups vow to strike
The Korea Herald, 20 November 1996. The unauthorized Korea Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) and the Federation of Korean Trade Unions (FKTU) support a general strike in December because of the government's intended unilateral revision of labor laws.
Workers demand changes in labor law
Workers World, 21 November 1996. At least 50,000 workers rallied in south Korea's capital city of Seoul Nov. 10 to demand the repeal of harsh anti-labor laws.
Korea Gov Seeks To Break Gen Strike
By Shawgi Tell on PEN-L, 11 December 1996. Both major trade union centrals announced general strikes. They are upset with proposed government changes to the national labor law that makes it easier and legal for companies to lay off workers, increase the legal work-week from 44 to 56 hours and facilitate flexible work hours, legalize and accommodate the use of scab labor during strikes and make strike-pay illegal.
Strike Halts Ship & Care Production in S. Korea
Reuters, 26 December 1996. General strike in response to ruling party's sneak tactic used to pass the labor law reform. Also, National Security Planning Agency police powers and next December's election.
Labor Unions Launch Nationwide Protest Strikes
From The Korean Herald, 27 December 1996. General strike and protests called on 26 December against the railroaded labor reform bill. Re. the bill and its surprise passage.
National Labor Crisis Expected to be Prolonged
The Korea Herald, 11 January 1997. Korea Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) militance and ICTU view of the new labor law.
Korea strike leaders defy government threats
By Fred Gaboury, People's Weekly World, 11 January 1997. Resumption of the general strike led by the KCTU, on 6 January.
Korean workers demand: We need Solidarity !!!
From The Telecommunication Task Group for the General Strike (TTGS), 12 January 1997. Use of the Internet to build international support.
ICFTU Update on Korea
From ICFTU OnLine, 24 January 1997. Release of some union leaders, strike resumption planned for 18 February, another mission from ICFTU planned, OECD criticism of South Korea, and ILO discussion of the labor law planned for March.
Korea Strikers Expand Fight Over Antilabor Law
By Brian Taylor, The Militant, 27 January 1997. January 15 was the biggest day yet as protest strikes in south Korea entered their fourth week. Kim Yong Sam's ruling New Korea Party rammed the package of antilabor laws through the National Assembly at a predawn meeting December 26 without any opposition legislators present. The measures make it easier for employers to lay off workers and replace strikers.
South Korean Government Forced to Budge
By John Catalinotto, Workers World, 30 January 1997. Kim Young Sam govenment makes concessions and is willing to talk. Strike issues; international support, including North Korea.
Unions in South Korea call for solidarity actions
By Candace Wagner, The Militant, 17 Feburary 1997. KCTU calls for international solidary.
Korean trade union centre threatens new wave of strikes
ICFTU OnLine, 25 February 1997. New wave of strikes promised for February 28 if the labor law will go into effect March 1.
KCTU Stages 4-Hour Strike over Labor Bill
The Korea Herald, 4 March 1997. At least the government is seeking to revise the bill. FKTU stands to side.