By Eric Lee
Two weeks ago I asked for your support as Korean railway workers were about to launch a strike. They were concerned back then that their government might attempt to break the strike. They wanted the solidarity of workers around the world. They wanted a clear message sent to their government and nearly 9,000 of you sent off messages of protest.
Today, their worst fears are coming true.
Just a few days into their strike, the Korean government has launched a savage crackdown.
A few hours ago, the offices of the railway workers union were raided by dozens of police. Computers and other equipment were seized.
Two weeks ago I asked for your support as Korean railway workers were about to launch a strike. They were concerned back then that their government might attempt to break the strike. They wanted the solidarity of workers around the world. They wanted a clear message sent to their government and nearly 9,000 of you sent off messages of protest.
Today, their worst fears are coming true.
Just a few days into their strike, the Korean government has launched a savage crackdown.
A few hours ago, the offices of the railway workers union were raided by dozens of police. Computers and other equipment were seized.
Arrest warrants have been issued for the top union leaders -- who are currently hiding in a safe place.
Korean media are reporting that the military is prepared to send hundreds of soldiers to work as strike-breakers.
Tomorrow morning, the subway workers in Seoul are set to launch a solidarity strike, shutting down the capital.
It is our job now to mobilize the widest possible support for the Korean railway workers.
Those workers are on the front lines today of the fight against neo-liberal policies such as privatisation -- and they are defending the basic human right to have independent trade unions with the right to strike.
If you've not yet done so, please send off your message of protest today:http://bit.ly/1c8Uao8
If you've already supported the campaign -- thanks. But let's do more:
- Post this link to your Facebook page: http://bit.ly/1c8Uao8 Tell your friends there that you support this campaign and urge them all to do so.
- Tweet this: Hands off the Korean railway strikers!http://bit.ly/1c8Uao8 @labourstart
- If your union has a mailing list of its members, make sure they are all informed about this important struggle. There are many millions of organized workers out there who aren't aware of this fight. Please email your fellow union members.
For Eric's article about North Korea please go to: http://www.ericlee.info/blog/?p=876
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