Korean Confederation of Trade Unions: The Parliamentary Passage of Yoon's Impeachment Marks the Beginning of a Comprehensive Social Transformation!
Today, on 14 December, the National Assembly passed President Yoon's impeachment motion with 204 votes in favour, exceeding the required two-thirds majority. This achievement was made possible by tens and hundreds of thousands of citizens who gathered daily before the National Assembly, demanding Yoon's impeachment and the dissolution of the People Power Party. Particularly noteworthy were this weekend and today's demonstrations, which drew over a million participants.
The ringleader of an attempted rebellion had been ensconced in the presidential office. When police, a state institution, arrived with search warrants, they were blocked by the Presidential Security Service, another state institution. It was utter chaos and disorder. The impeachment has now resolved one aspect of this disorder.
In yesterday's address, Yoon claimed the martial law was "a constitutional decision and act of governance by a president trying to protect South Korea's liberal democracy and constitutional order." He declared it "beyond judicial review" and stated he would "face any impeachment or investigation with dignity." He dashed even the slightest hopes for reflection, apology, or accountability. Instead, he effectively declared war against the people.
There remains much to be done. The Constitutional Court must still make its final decision on the impeachment. Yoon, the rebellion's ringleader, must be promptly arrested and detained. Former People Power Party floor leader Choo Kyung-ho must be investigated as an accomplice to rebellion, and procedures must begin for the dissolution of the People Power Party. All conspirators must be identified and their crimes exposed.
The impeachment is merely the beginning. We must create a society where all workers' fundamental labour rights are guaranteed, including amendments to Articles 2 and 3 of the Labour Union Act and the application of the Labour Standards Act to workplaces with fewer than five employees. We must build a society where workers don't die on the job, and where public services - healthcare, care work, education, transport, housing, and energy - are guaranteed. The power of workers and citizens that prevented unconstitutional martial law and achieved Yoon's impeachment must now be directed towards achieving major social reforms.
The KCTU will lead the way. We shall be at the forefront of creating a new society.
Korean Confederation of Trade Unions
