TUC calls for release of Korean trade union leader
The General Secretary has written to the Ambassador of South Korea, condemning the detention of Kim Jung-woo, former leader of the Ssangyong Motor branch of the Korean Metal Workers’ Union and demanding his unconditional release.
Read the IndustriALL statement calling for his release here
Support the Amnesty International campaign for his release here
Dear Ambassador
Detention of Kim Jung-woo
On behalf of the British Trades Union Congress and almost 6 million members of our affiliated unions and British workers, I urge you to unconditionally and immediately release Kim Jung-woo, former leader of the Ssangyong Motor branch of the Korean Metal Workers’ Union.
Kim Jung-woo has been detained since June 2013 solely for exercising his right to freedom of association. He was arrested for taking part in a protest for the reinstatement of workers previously dismissed by Ssangyoung Motor.
I call on your government to recognize the right of trade unionists to carry out their work without harassment or arrest, in accordance with international human rights law. The right to freedom of association and collective bargaining are core conventions of the ILO which the Republic of Korea is bound as a member of the ILO to uphold and affirmed it would commit to and effectively implement as part of its signing of the EU-Korea Free Trade Agreement in 2010.
I look forward to receiving confirmation from you that our concerns have been conveyed to
your government.
Yours sincerely
Frances O’Grady
GENERAL SECRETARY
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