Korea: Millennium Seoul Hilton Hotel workers launch protest actions

Workers at the Millennium Seoul Hilton Hotel launched a collective action on October 15 by wearing union vests while working and refusing overtime. The action followed management's refusal to reach an agreement on key union demands, including the recruitment of permanent workers and the extension of the retirement age. In recent years the hotel has replaced permanent workers who retired or left with casual workers or 'trainees' and while attempting to outsource services such as laundry, housekeeping and maintenance.

The escalating protest follows a strike vote in which 91% (344members) voted, with 83% voting in favour of strike action. The union, a member of the IUF-affiliated KFSU, is planning to take a 2-hour stoppage from noon on October 17 and has set up a tent in front of the hotel in preparation for a long sit-in struggle.