11

WORKERS

After the coup d'etat in 1980, indirect repression took various forms. Labour leaders and union activists were sent to re-education camps run by the military. In these camps the workers were subjected to strict regimentation, both physical as well as mental. Union activities were curbed by repressive legislation introduced by the Chun Doo Hwan government. Labour leaders were branded as being pro-communists and were blacklisted. This policy of the regime continued till the middle of 1983 when the government embarked on its so-called policy of liberalisation. As a result of this, labour activities surfaced and became more visible than before. This also led to spontaneous movements of protests and demonstrations resulting in sacking of over 2000 workers, and about 65 workers sent to prison during the first half of 1985. The main demands of the workers are increase in wages; reform of labour laws and the disbandment of yellow unions to be replaced by democratic labour unions; to end organised violence by the police and company control of union activities; to put an end to harassment of former students who are employed as workers.