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Thousands of unionized workers - "armed with metal pipes and firebombs"(^^), according to AFP(6.03) - at SsangYong Motors(SYM), the smallest carmaker in S. Korea, are in strike and have occupied a plant in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, since May 21 to fight a layoff plan.

Five days ago(6.03) the management of SYM, backed by the gov't, announced that they will call in riot police to end the strike/occupation unless the workers disperse by early this week.

But despite the risk of a violent crackdown(executed by thousands of riot cops) SYM's labor union rejected today an "arbitration" proposal by the management and vowed to continue their strike/occupation "until victory".

Already before y'day(6.06), during a powerful Struggle Culture Festival in Pyeongtaek, at least 3000 striking SYM workers - incl. their relatives and hundreds of supporters - declared their readiness to strike back...

Here some impressions from the event:

Related article:
☞ Ssangyong Motor Union Rejects Arbitration Proposal (K. Times, 6.08)

For more about the SsangYong strike please check out the related articles in LabourStart!