South Korea: Labor union plans to hold rally in Ansan and Suwon Sept. 1

Event

Unionized workers plan to rally in Ansan and Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, Sept. 1. The construction workers' wing of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) is organizing the action due to a breakdown in wage negotiations. Participants plan to rally at the Ministry of Employment and Labor's Gyeonggi Branch in Suwon 15:00-17:00. Supporters will also gather at Ansan City Hall 14:00 before marching to Jungang Station from 15:00-18:00. KCTU claims that as many as 10,000 people will participate in the demonstrations.

Authorities will likely increase security at any rally site and its surrounding areas Sept. 1. Localized transport and business disruptions are possible during the rallies, especially if activists occupy nearby roads. Traffic congestion is likely along Seobu-ro in Suwon and Jungang-daero in Ansan. While violence is unlikely at the rallies, clashes between protesters and police remain possible.

Advice

Avoid all demonstrations as a routine security precaution. If clashes break out, leave the area immediately. Monitor trusted local media for updates on protest locations as organizers may not announce them in advance. Follow all security personnel instructions. Consider alternative commercial parcel delivery services for critical shipments and correspondence until the strike ends and operations return to normal.