Labor Frontline: "Decision to Save People First Needed in the Yang Gyu-seo and Ham Gye-nam Sit-in, Busan Civil Society and Religious Community Also in Solidarity"
Demand for Responsible Mediation by the KCTU and Public Transport Workers' Union and Independent Investigation
Busan Civil Society: "An Issue of Trust in the Labor Movement Beyond Internal Problems of Specific Unions"
The Labor Frontline, advocating for on-site social transformation, released a statement on the 17th, stating, "One person is on a 30-meter-high sit-in, while the other is on the ground in a tent on a hunger strike," and emphasized, "The most urgent issue now is saving lives."
As of September 17th, it was reported that Yang Gyu-seo and Ham Gye-nam are continuing their sit-ins demanding a thorough investigation and responsible measures, with each engaging in a tent hunger strike and a 30-meter-high sit-in, respectively.
The Labor Frontline stressed, "While judgment on facts and accountability are important, they should not precede saving lives," and emphasized, "If the high-altitude sit-in and hunger strike lead to irreversible consequences, no investigation or explanation can bring back lost lives."
They further urged, "The KCTU and Public Transport Workers' Union should present responsible solutions for the two comrades to safely end their sit-ins before it's too late."
In this case, allegations have been raised regarding workplace harassment and unfair dismissals within the Medical Solidarity Headquarters Seoul Branch of the KCTU Public Transport Workers' Union, including suspicions of using hierarchy to enforce resignations and employing the so-called 'division of workplaces with less than 5 employees' to avoid application of labor standards.
However, due to the possibility of conflicting claims between the parties regarding the specific facts and accountability of these allegations, an independent investigation and verification are deemed necessary.
The Labor Frontline also stated, "Allegations of workplace harassment, forced resignations, and deceptive employment relationships must be clarified through an independent and fair investigation."
They emphasized, "The investigation should not be used as a pretext to prolong the sit-ins or delay the process," and called for responsible mediation to ensure the initiation of an objective investigation promptly.
Regarding the KCTU, they stressed that this issue should not be viewed solely as an internal problem of a specific union.
The Labor Frontline stated, "In a situation where the lives of KCTU members and comrades who have fought together are at risk, the silence and passivity of the KCTU can only be seen as an evasion of responsibility," and emphasized the need for active organization of dialogue and resolution between the two sides and immediate commencement of an objective investigation.
They also directed demands towards the Public Transport Workers' Union and Medical Solidarity Headquarters, stating, "Claiming that all issues are resolved just because legal procedures have concluded is unacceptable," and pointed out that legal judgments and political or moral responsibilities within the labor movement are not the same.
They further demanded, "If wrongdoing is revealed, there should be acknowledgment, apology, restoration, and responsible measures."
Earlier, on the 16th, civic organizations in Busan issued a joint statement urging proactive responses from the KCTU regarding this issue.
They stated, "One person is in a tent, while another is on a 30-meter-high cliff, engaging in a life-threatening struggle," and argued, "This issue is no longer just an internal problem of a specific union but a matter that concerns the moral legitimacy of the entire labor movement in Korea."
Busan civic organizations pointed out that allegations of forced resignations and employment-related suspicions have been raised based on publicized recordings, stating, "The fact that such allegations have been raised within an organization that should protect the rights of workers and the vulnerable must be taken seriously."
In particular, they criticized the post-response of the KCTU and Public Transport Workers' Union.
They stated, "The KCTU should not remain passive, citing internal problems within the union," and demanded swift operation of the investigation committee, specifying investigation deadlines, protection of the parties involved in the investigation process, and fair accountability determination.
They also urged the Public Transport Workers' Union to conduct a responsible investigation into the alleged deceptive employment and internal harassment and take measures for the restoration of victims.
The statement was endorsed by various civic organizations in Busan, including the National Sovereignty Action Busan Headquarters, the Labor and Human Rights Foundation Busan Regional Committee, Busan Economic Justice Civic Coalition, Busan Christian Council of Churches, Citizen Power 'Dandelion' in Busan, Busan Our People Helping Each Other Movement, and Busan Human Rights Counseling Center.
The Busan Christian Council of Churches (Busan NCCK) also issued a separate solidarity statement on the same day, stating, "A just and restorative action is needed to save the lives of Yang Gyu-seo and Ham Gye-nam."
They emphasized, "There is no organizational logic that prioritizes anything over life," and stressed, "The life of one person, one worker, is more precious than anything else."
They also argued that organizations responsible for protecting the rights of workers and the survival rights of the vulnerable should scrutinize internal issues more rigorously.
Busan NCCK demanded immediate mediation at the KCTU federation level, the operation of an objective investigation committee, specifying investigation deadlines and protection of the parties claiming damages, and responsible investigation and follow-up measures by the Public Transport Workers' Union.
They further stated, "True solidarity and morality do not come from perfection but from acknowledging one's own faults and reforming oneself," and called for justice and reform within the labor movement.
The Labor Frontline also appealed for a safe conclusion to the sit-ins of Yang Gyu-seo and Ham Gye-nam.
They stated, "The lives of the two comrades are irreplaceable," and emphasized, "They must live to reveal the truth, correct the wrongs, and fight alongside comrades again."
They further demanded ▲ immediate responsible mediation by the KCTU and direct dialogue with the parties involved ▲ establishment of an independent investigation body trusted by the parties ▲ specifying investigation deadlines and measures to protect the parties claiming damages ▲ apologies, restoration, and accountability measures based on investigation results ▲ cessation of defamation and hostile responses.
The Labor Frontline stated, "The labor movement cannot establish its legitimacy on the sacrifice of comrades," and emphasized, "What is needed now is not silence to protect the organization's dignity but a decision to save lives and labor solidarity, not hostility towards each other."
They continued, "The KCTU and Public Transport Workers' Union must act immediately for a responsible resolution," and concluded, "Yang Gyu-seo and Ham Gye-nam comrades must return safely to the ground and to their comrades alive. People must be saved first."
💬 댓글 (0)
댓글을 작성하려면 로그인이 필요합니다.
로그인첫 댓글을 작성해보세요!