Koreans protest at IMF headquarters
By
Sharon Black
Washington
A picket line stretching a full block in front of the
International Monetary Fund's headquarters here on April 15
denounced the organization's policies in south Korea, which
have caused devastating layoffs and cutbacks.
The action was called by the Congress of Korean
Reunification and the International Action Center. It was in
solidarity with a national rally April 17 in south Korea called
by the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions.
Representatives of the CKR brought an official message from
the Korean unions to IMF officials. The union statement said
IMF austerity measures are forcing more than 100 corporations
into bankruptcy each day:
"The government's official figure confirms that now more
than 2 million workers are out of jobs. However, according to
the KCTU's own figures, the unemployed workers number closer to
4 million. This economic catastrophe has resulted in one of the
worst and most tragic situations for workers."
Malcolm Cummins, spokesperson for the International Action
Center, denounced the IMF as officials of the fund lined the
front entrance to their headquarters. He said: "As workers in
this country, we stand in solidarity with the KCTU and the
struggle of the Korean workers in the south. The International
Monetary Fund has the blood of workers around the globe on its
hands.
"As the KCTU prepares for increased action, we--your
friends, brothers and sisters, and trade unionists--pledge to
step up our action in support. An injury to one is an injury to
all."
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