Some 13,000 unionized South Korean workers rallied in a Seoul park yesterday demanding the government to revise labor laws by year's end for the introduction of a five-day workweek.
The rally was organized by the Federation of Korean Trade Unions, South Korea's largest labor union, which threatened to strike in May if its demands are not met.
The group, which claims a membership of 1.2 million, hopes to introduce five-day work week at all workplaces by July.
"Fight. Fight." shouted demonstrators, pumping fists into the sky. Colorful placards and banners that read "Let's fight and secure five-day work week" filled Boramae park in southern Seoul.
Thousands of police stood guard, but did not intervene.
For years, South Korean workers have been demanding weekly work hours be shortened from 44 to 40. They have staged protests and strikes to push their demands.
To reassure restive workers, President Kim Dae-jung called on his Cabinet in June to introduce the five-day work week system as soon as possible. Many South Koreans work half days on Saturdays.
Kim urged his government to carefully discuss the issue with labor and management.
But negotiations have made little progress, as labor leaders are adamant that there should be no pay cuts or reduction in paid vacations.
Major businesses are opposed to a shorter work week, saying it is too early for South Korea and could undermine the nation's international competitiveness.
"We will not talk with the management until it changes its attitude," said Lee Nam-soon, head of the federation.
Demonstrators also demanded an end to government-led corporate restructuring and privatization of state-run companies that have led to mass firing.
South Korean workers have been complaining that the government's efforts to speed corporate reforms are causing huge staff cuts. The government has said the measures are needed to help the economy fully recover from the 1997-1998 Asian financial crisis.
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