SOUTH KOREA: Unionist beaten to death

Ha Joong Keun, a member of the Korean Federation of Construction Industry Unions, was severely beaten by riot police after joining a July 16 rally, and died in hospital on August 1. He was one of thousands of workers who attended the rally, held in solidarity with fellow construction workers who had launched a peaceful sit-in on July 13 at the headquarters of the Pohang Steel Corporation (POSCO) to demand a pay rise and a five-day working week. Thousands of riot police surrounded the rally and beat workers with riot shields. Those on strike work up to 10 hours per day, seven days a week in dangerous conditions. Their living quarters have just seven bathrooms for 3000 workers and no eating facilities. POSCO made a US$6 billion profit last year.

From GLW issue 679