South Korea: BWI welcomes ILO recommendations on KCWU case; demands gov’t to end anti-union persecution

The Building and Woodworkers’ International (BWI) lauds the recommendations issued by the ILO Committee on Freedom of Association (CFA) concerning the case it filed along with the Korean Federation of Construction Industry Trade Union (KFCITU) and the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) against the South Korean government. This case, rooted in the government’s systematic targeting of Korean Construction Workers’ Union (KCWU) leaders and members, spotlights the perilous conditions facing workers, including the tragic loss of Hoe-dong Yang, a KCWU member, who self-immolated while under investigation, protesting the harsh crackdown on union activities.

The persecution of KCWU leaders stems from repeated hostile actions spearheaded by President Yoon Seok-yul and high-ranking politicians. During a live cabinet meeting on 21 February 2023, President Yoon publicly labeled construction unions as “geon pok,” or "construction gangsters," equating them with criminal syndicates, a stance that has fueled ongoing repression of unionists and exposed them to severe risks.

The ILO CFA’s recommendations reflect an urgent call for change and for South Korea to address the systemic issues that threaten workers' rights. Key recommendations include:

• Worker-Employer Consultations: The Committee urges the government to initiate dialogue with construction industry representatives to address employment instability and mitigate recruitment conflicts on worksites.

• Protection of Union Rights: The Committee directs the Fair Trade Commission to cease interfering with legitimate union activities and calls for clear guidelines to safeguard freedom of association and collective bargaining.

• Assurance of Non-Repression for Peaceful Action: The ILO Committee recommends that South Korea ensure union members are not subject to arrest, prosecution, or sentencing for peaceful protests or advocacy on workplace safety issues.

These recommendations align with demands from the KFCITU, which includes the KCWU. KFCITU has further urged the South Korean government to pass laws supporting autonomous labor-management negotiations, amend Articles 2 and 3 of the Trade Union and Labor Relations Adjustment Act to guarantee rights for dependent self-employed workers, and halt Fair Trade Commission interference. Additionally, KFCITU calls for a formal government apology to the KCWU and the family of Bro. Yang for the indiscriminate criminalization of union activities.

BWI General Secretary Ambet Yuson stated: “The ILO’s recommendations lay out a critical framework for the South Korean government to end its anti-union practices and to honor the rights of workers to organize without fear. BWI condemns the harsh sentencing and imprisonment of five KFCITU members, an action that reflects the deeply troubling suppression of union voices. We stand with KFCITU in calling on President Yoon’s administration to immediately implement the ILO’s recommendations, release these unjustly detained unionists, and cease its intimidation of workers. The sacrifice of Bro. Yang and the suffering of KFCITU members make it clear that these rights cannot be compromised, and justice cannot be delayed.”

As South Korea assumes the position of Chair of the ILO Governing Body, BWI urges the government to demonstrate its commitment to international labor standards by fully implementing the CFA’s recommendations. BWI stands in unwavering solidarity with KCWU and all South Korean workers advocating for their rights and will continue to closely monitor the situation to ensure accountability and justice.