South Korea: Unionized metal workers to strike nationwide July 20

Event

Members of the Korean Metal Workers' Union (KMWU) plan to hold a nationwide strike in South Korea July 20. Tens of thousands of workers could join the strike. The industrial action is likely to cause production and delivery disruptions for suppliers of major shipbuilders, but significant supply chain disruptions are unlikely.

Workers plan to gather at Seoul Station in Seoul from 14:00 and will hold a rally in front of the Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) shipyard in Geoje, South Gyeongsang Province. As of July 19, contract workers at DSME continue to strike at the company's shipyard in Geoje to demand wage increases. Additional rallies by metal and shipyard workers are possible near major shipyards in Ulsan and Geoje and at supplier facilities nationwide.

Police will likely deploy officers to monitor protests. Roadblocks are possible if significant rallies occur; localized traffic congestion is possible near protest sites. Violence is unlikely, though minor skirmishes between police and protesters cannot be ruled out, especially if workers attempt to gather in unauthorized areas or attempt to breach security cordons.

Advice

Use caution near likely protest locations. Monitor local media for updates on specific protest locations, as organizers may not announce them in advance. Allow extra time to reach destinations near shipyards and in industrial areas where demonstrations are most likely to occur.