Scores of protesters arrested in Ssangyong plant clash (sit in update photo added)

[Omaha Steve]

http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/national/2009/07/26/17/0302000000AEN20090726000900315F.HTML

PYEONGTAEK, South Korea, July 26 (Yonhap) -- Scores of demonstrators were arrested after they clashed violently with riot police in a sympathy protest for laid-off workers of the troubled Ssangyong Motor Co., police said Sunday.

Production at Ssangyong's sole plant in this rural town has been paralyzed for two months as nearly 1,000 unionized workers protesting a mass layoff have occupied a paint shop and other facilities. Thousands of riot police who cordoned off the plant have been bracing for a possible raid since last week.

Wielding metal pipes, about 7,000 members of an umbrella labor union and several civic groups faced off with riot police Saturday as they attempted to enter the plant to provide drinking water to the protesting Ssayngyong workers. The water and gas supply to the plant had been cut in a move to end the Ssangyong workers' occupation.

"About 30 demonstrators were hauled away for breaking the law. Two police motorbikes were also damaged during the clash," police said.

More than 9,000 police were mobilized over the weekend, firing water cannons and tear bombs at the protesters. Most of the activists disbanded voluntarily after failing to enter the plant, police said.

FULL story at link.

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Police and company goons attack a union member at the Ssangyong Motors plant near Seoul. Workers occupied the plant 2 months ago after the company announced a restructuring plan based on huge job cuts. The police failed to eject the workers and the occupation continues. (photo: KCTU) Click here for more labour news from Korea.Got a photo that should be here? Post it via Flickr.

[tomreedtoon]

1. Exactly what the UAW is afraid to do.

American labor unions are cowards. They won't stand up against the management and the politicians that are outsourcing their jobs and ruining their lives. It's good to know some workers, somewhere, have self-esteem enough to fight.