[olympiaworkers] Ssangyong occupation has ended: August 6, 2009

libcom.org Aug 6 2009

view pictures at:
http://libcom.org/news/ssangyong-occupation-has-ended-august-6-2009-06082009

Once the fierce fighting ended yesterday (August 5, 2009), 100 strikers
left the occupation throughout the night (many out of disgust at the
ruthlessness of the state and company's violence). At the end of the
negotiations last week, management's last offer was 60% of the workers
would accept voluntary retirement (or termination) with 40% taking an
unpaid furlough until they're called back. Negotiations began today at
11:00 a.m., with the union now agreeing to retirement for 52%, with 48%
for the furlough. The strike is over and the occupiers will leave the
factory any minute.

***Update August 6, 2009: the strike & occupation has come to an end on
its 77th day***

It ended at 2:50 p.m. Korea time (30 minutes ago).

In April 2009 a court-approved restructuring plan was for 2,646 workers to
leave the company by either voluntary early retirement or termination. Not
long after over 1,670 workers, including casuals and subcontracted
workers, had already left. The pre-strike workforce had been 7,179.

By the start of the strike and occupation, strikers were fighting for job
security for 976 workers. Today's settlement will only save 48% of those
jobs (approx. 468), with 52% being terminated.

Local president of the Ssangyong branch (Han Sang Kyun, who also worked in
the factory; he was not a piecard) of the Korean Metal Workers Union
talking with strikers inside the occupied factory: Union official greeting
management representatives for negotiations: Container where negotiations
took place: Awaiting negotiation results:
Hospitalized worker who fell off roof and broke 2 vertebrae:

After fighting the class war so valiantly in defense of all workers for 77
days, this settlement seems extremely compromised. But due to the large
number of casualties, it must be expected. The bravery of these comrades
should be saluted; their holding out so militantly for so long should be
an inspiration for all working class people everywhere.

***BreakingNews Update 4:00 p.m. (Korea time)***

The strikers are leaving the occupied factory, but 20 to 30 have rejected
the union and company's negotiated settlement and remain in the factory.

We can only wish them luck and offer our solidarity as they refuse to
compromise and continue the fight!

The Ssangyong Occupation is Dead,
Long Live the Ssangyong Occupation!