Presiden UNION mogok lapar - protest pembuangan kerja 137 pekerja kerana kegiatan Kesatuan Kerja

Kim Jungnam has been hospitalized; KGEU vice presidents have stepped in to replace him.

Kim Jungnam (pictured above), the president of the Korean Government Employees Union, was on the 16th day of his hunger strike when he collapsed a few hours ago. He was rushed to hospital. Vice presidents of his union have stepped in to take his place and continue the protest. Now more than ever I'm asking for your help to grow our online campaign protesting the sacking of Korean trade unionists -- including Kim -- for simply being trade unionists.   It's time for the President-elect of Korea, Park Guenhye, to recognize the union and reinstate the sacked union leaders. Our brothers and sisters in Korea are counting on our help. Please do the following four things today: If you've not yet done so, click here to show your support for the campaign. If you're on Facebook, visit LabourStart's page there and make sure to 'like' or 'share' our photo of Kim (the same one you see above). If you're on Twitter, tweet that you support the campaign - making sure to include the short version of the URL: http://bit.ly/Vl9fLP If your union has a mailing list, spread the word to as many members as you can, today, about the campaign.   Thanks very much. Eric Lee   The President of the Korean Government Employees' Union (KGEU), Kim Jungnam, launched a hunger strike in the streets of Seoul outside the offices of the Presidential transition committee on15 January. He is protesting the sacking of 137 workers, among them the union president and general secretary, who are being punished for their union activities. They are accused of being leaders of an "illegal organization" -- the KGEU. President-elect Park Guenhye, who will take office on 25 February, has pledged to achieve social integration. The KGEU is demanding that she recognize the union and reinstate the sacked employees. The KGEU believes that the reinstatement of those workers is a human rights issue and demands that the government listen to the International Labour Organization which has been urging Korea to guarantee trade union rights including freedom of association for many years now. Kim will continue his hunger strike until these issues are resolved. We call upon trade unionists around the world to show their solidarity by sending off messages of protest and solidarity today.