“Solidarity! The Warmest of Our Memories” ～ Korean San-ken Union Members Celebrate Victory

 

Celebrations of victory are always a good time, but never was there a gathering as warm and refreshing as the Korean San-ken Union’s victory party on June 16th. Over 100 workers gathered at the Zensuido Hall to celebrate their return to their current jobs after Sanken Electric Co. withdrew its plan for layoffs. Since the company announced plans to dismiss workers due to restructuring efforts on September 30th, 2015, San-ken Union members have struggled for 246 days. The landmark victory comes 299 days since the Union sent a delegation to Japan. From South Korea, five affiliated union members attended the celebration along with three members of the National Metalworkers’ Union, its umbrella organization. In a speech, leader of the San-ken Union Kim Eunhyong said the struggle against the layoffs was a fight for workers’ dignity, adding the battle could not have been won without the Japanese supporters who joined San-ken union members in front of the company headquarters to protest on early mornings, through snow and rain. As souvenirs, the San-ken union gave out bandanas to participants with the words “Solidarity! The Warmest of Our Memories.” (SASAKI Yumi)

「連帯！最も暖かい記憶です」～韓国サンケン労組 勝利報告集会

勝利集会というのは、いつも良いものだが、これほど暖かく、すがすがしい集会を経験したことはなかった。6月16日東京・全水道会館で韓国サンケン労組の勝利報告集会が開かれた。解雇撤回、原職復帰を祝って、100人を超える人が集まった。昨年9月30日の整理解雇から246日、日本遠征闘争229日を経ての画期的な勝利だった。韓国からはサンケン支会5人、上部機関の全国金属労組の3人が来日した。組合リーダーのキムウニョンさんは、この闘いが労働者の尊厳をかけた闘いだったこと、そして雨の日も雪の日も、早朝の本社前行動を支えてくれた日本の支援者がいなければこの勝利はなかったと話した。韓国サンケン労組から参加者に配られた記念品のバンダナには「連帯！最も暖かい記憶です」のことばが刻まれていた。（佐々木有美）