South Korea: concerns about international image

[Sabri Oncu <soncu@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

S. Korea Workers Hope To End Strike
Sun May 26,10:03 AM ET

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) - Thousands of striking workers rallied
in Seoul on Sunday to demand wage hikes and improved working
conditions, hoping to end a weeklong deadlock before the start of
the World Cup in five days.

The South Korean government, meanwhile, concerned about its
international image, has warned of stern measures against those
organizing illegal strikes in the run-up to and during the
tournament, which kicks off Friday with defending champions
France taking on Senegal.

The government has also been urging management and unions to
suspend wage and other labor negotiations during the tournament
to avoid labor unrest.

"Fight! Fight!" chanted some 10,000 demonstrators, carrying
banners and signs emblazoned with their demands including a
shorter, five-day workweek. South Korean workers work six days a
week, including a half day on Saturday.

Thousands of riot police stood guard, but did not interfere.

"Like the government, we also want to end the strike before the
World Cup," said Sohn Nak-koo, a confederation spokesman. "We
urge the management to be more active in continuing
negotiations."

Many unions are expected to reach agreements on wage negotiations
with their respective managements and return to work before the
May 31-Juen World Cup, Sohn said.

The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, the nation's
second-largest labor group which called the walkout, claimed that
45,000 workers were on strike. The Labor Ministry said 22,000
workers remained off their jobs.

Demonstrators included taxi drivers, hospital, metal and other
workers who have been on strike since last week.

Full at:
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20020526/ap_on_
sp_so_ne/soc_wcup_workers__rally_1