WHEREAS:

In South Korea since June 1987 workers have organized more than 3200 strikes, resulting in the formation of more than 1000 new democratic unions; and

WHEREAS:

Strikes have occurred in every sector of Korean society, including the public sector; and

WHEREAS:

The demands of workers for higher wage and the recognition of new, independent unions are part of the ongoing struggle of Korean people for human rights and the democratization of their nation; and

WHEREAS:

Through their strikes, Korean workers are confronting the same multinational corporations that employ American workers (e.g. Daewoo Motor, the focus of mass strikes by Korean auto workers is half-owned by General Motors); and

WHEREAS:

The efforts by Korean workers to improve their wages and working conditions will directly aid American workers confronted by the threat of multinational corporations to shutdown plans and move operations overseas; and

WHEREAS:

The Korean government has responded to worker strikes with repressive measures, including the arrest and continued detention of more than 200 union members; and

WHEREAS:

The Korean government has refused to implement major agreements negotiated with striking workers in the fall of 1987, including recognition of a new union at the Hyundai ship building plant; and

WHEREAS:

The Korean government continues to deny the right to organize to many workers in the government sector, including large numbers of office workers and teachers.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That AFSCME support the Korean labor movement's demands for human rights, including the right to form independent, democratic unions, and protest the South Korean government's imprisonment of trade union members; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME inform its members by appropriate means about the Korean labor situation, especially the significance for American workers of strikes in Korea; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME urge Public Service International to develop solidarity with public sector unions in Korea; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:

That AFSCME send copies of this resolution to the Federation of Korean Trade Unions and the Council for Bargaining with the Government.

SUBMITTED BY:

Cliff Fried, President
Michael Cardoza, Secretary-Treasurer
Peter Goodman, Vice-President
Gary Potwin, Recording-Secretary
Glen Omatsu, Member-At-Large
AFSCME Local 3238, Council 10
Oakland, California