Trade Unions call for mass strikes

The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) announced on 1 July 2008 that it is calling for mass strikes against the government in response to its recent decision to allow the resumption of U.S. beef imports into South Korea. Union officials at Hyundai Motor stated that an estimated 45,000 workers will walk out for two hours on 2-3 July to protest the beef imports and to encourage management to initiate wage talks. According to the KCTU, it expects more than 150,000 union members, including 120,000 metal workers and chemical industry and construction workers, to participate in the labor action. The KCTU has also stated that it will hold mass rallies on 4-5 July in Seoul, the capital. In an effort to quell the violent rallies, which have been used as stepping stones for larger issues by radical anti-government protesters, authorities have blocked main streets with buses and shipping containers and deployed numerous riot police officers.