Trade Unions mobilise 400,000 in Seoul to demand fair wages

As a new president has assumed power in South Korea, civil society groups have been at the forefront in ensuring that the new administration protects citizens' civic freedoms. In particular, People’s Solidarity for Participatory Democracy (PSPD) issued policy recommendations for the new government in June, calling for a serious investigation into the allegation against the previous president and her administration. Civil society has also called for thorough and impartial investigations into allegations of corruption, unwarranted political intervention and the manipulation of public opinion by the National Intelligence Service. PSPD has vowed to hold the authorities accountable and continually monitor the new government in an effort to do justice to the spirit of South Korea's Candlelight Revolution. 

Peaceful Assembly

On 1st July 2017, 400,000 people took part in a mass action in Seoul organised by the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU). In a show of solidarity across employment sectors, the large number of demonstrators chanted slogans such as “Let’s make a 10,000 won ($8.7) minimum wage!” and “For rights to strike!” KCTU explained that the protest aimed to improve conditions for marginalised workers, such as temporary employees who receive far lower wages than regular employees. While there was a heavy police presence at the protest, there were no reports of violence.