Video retrospective + interviews: the Ssangong workers 77-day revolt

eastern asia | workplace struggles | other libertarian press Wednesday August 12, 2009 05:16 by ansel at mediahacker dot org

Unionized workers at the Ssangyong car assembly plant in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, took over their factory to demand job security when the automaker announced massive layoffs in May. The occupation lasted 77 days.

In mid-July the police mounted an offensive that culminated in pitched battles on the roof last week with workers. After being beaten, sprayed with toxic tear gas, and deprived of water and power, the occupation was forced to a close last week. The union reached a settlement that prevents the company from going ahead with a small fraction of the planned layoffs.

I spoke with Loren Goldner, an American author who visited the plant in June and Jung Sik Hwa, a member of the Korean Metal Workers Union in an exclusive broadcast interview. Hwa and other solidarity demonstrators fought against the police last week.

Full-length interviews and more information at mediahacker dot org.

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