Korean education support workers hold massive rally in Seoul

The KPTU Education Workers Solidarity Division (KPTU EdSol) began with a rally at Independence Park in Seoul, where thousands of members attended. The solidarity statements sent from PSI affiliates around the world, were announced on stage. The union also introduced the PSI education support affiliates' network, and displayed photos of American Federation of Teachers members holding solidarity signs and staging a solidarity protest in front of the Korean Embassy in Washington D.C.

KPTU EdSol members marched to Seoul Station Plaza where they met with other education support workers' unions. Over 10,000 education support workers gathered at the Plaza, with the rally literally spilling out on to the streets.

Legislation that would improve education support workers' conditions and formalize their employment status is being considered in committee during an extraordinary session of the National Assembly. Collective bargaining is going on in several, regions, but it is likely a general strike will be needed in July 2013 in order to urge the education authorities to listen to the workers' demands.

The union thanks PSI affiliates for their support that has given strength to thousands of Korean education support workers, and looks forward to sharing solidarity and exchange between education support workers in PSI and the world over.

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See photos of the rally on flickr