Major umbrella union set to hold massive rally over subcontractor bargaining rights

Lead

Thousands of union members staged a large-scale rally in downtown Seoul on Wednesday, demanding that businesses engage in direct negotiations with subcontracted workers, a right recently enshrined in South Korean labor law. Participants also called on the government to resolve the ongoing financial crisis at discount store chain Homeplus Co.

Coverage Comparison

The demonstration, organized by the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU), drew around 5,000 participants, according to police estimates, though the labor group put the number at approximately 10,000. The rally began near Gwanghwamun Square in the afternoon, with participants marching toward the presidential office.

Unionized workers under the KCTU umbrella, including members of the Korean Metal Workers' Union, walked off the job to join the protest. The KCTU has been pressing businesses to enter direct negotiations with subcontracted workers, arguing that many firms have resisted such talks despite the recent revision to labor law.

The protest comes as the government faces pressure to address the difficulties at Homeplus Co., a discount store chain wholly owned by private equity firm MBK Partners. The retailer, struggling under a prolonged financial slump, entered court-led rehabilitation in March 2025.

Key Claims

• The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) organized a large-scale rally in downtown Seoul to demand direct negotiations with subcontracted workers.
• Police estimated around 5,000 members participated, while the labor group put the figure at approximately 10,000.
• Participants marched toward the presidential office, urging the government to resolve the crisis at Homeplus Co.
• The rally followed the March enactment of the so-called yellow envelope act, which requires prime contractors to engage in direct negotiations with subcontracted workers.
• According to KCTU head Yang Kyeung-soo, unions under the organization requested negotiations with over 400 primary contractors in the past four months, but actual negotiations have taken place at only four businesses.