Korean union threatens World Cup strikes

South Korea’s second largest labour group has threatened to call a nationwide strike during the World Cup unless the country’s government ends its crackdown on striking power workers.

The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions also criticised the state-owned Korea Electric Power Corporation for firing union leaders after they organised a strike in March to protest against a privatisation.

Strikes by public utility workers are illegal in South Korea, but unions fear privatisation will lead to widespread lay-offs.

Around 70,000 health workers and heavy industry employees are due to begin staging strikes on Wednesday to highlight their opposition to privatisation and labour activists have also organised a mass rally in Seoul on Sunday.