RoK workers protest labour reform bill

Tens of thousands of workers rallied and marched in the nation's capital Sunday to protest a controversial reform bill designed to curb union militancy and secure labour flexibility. Some 25,000 members from the Federation of Korean Trade Unions, the country's biggest labour organisation, demanded in the street demonstration that the government repeal the "vicious" bill and stop crackdowns on unionised civil servants.
Under the legislation, yet to be approved by parliament, government employees would be able to form unions but strikes would be banned. Companies would also be permitted to hire more workers on temporary contracts.
But unions say the bill will only restrict their activities and destabilise the job market.
"Stop the vicious labour bill on temporary workers," protesters chanted while rallying under a heavy police watch in downtown Seoul. The four-hour demonstration ended after a peaceful marchries.