South Korea - auto workers

Police combat auto strikers in tense standoff

Article published on the 2009-08-03 Latest update 2009-08-03 14:17 TU

South Korean riot police stepped up reinforcements outside a troubled auto factory on Monday, sending 1,000 more reinforcements outside the Ssangyong Motor Plant in Pyeongtaek, where protesters armed with metal pipes and flammable material have barricaded themselves since 21 May.

Protesters shout slogans as a police helicopter flies during the anti-government rally
(Photo: Reuters)

Riot police in a helicopter sprayed liquid tear gas on strikers after talks to end the occupation of the paint shop ended without a conclusion.

Strikers retaliated by hurling dozens of firebombs and wielded steel pipes as the police came closer to the paint shop to try and remove barricades. They also pelted the police with nuts and bolts from slingshots.

Auto workers are protesting job cuts that were made to try and save the debt-ridden Chinese-invested company.

As of early Monday, less than 600 workers remain holed up in the plant, after around 100 people reportedly gave up. Management has cut off the water and the power to the paint shop.

Outside the plant, five workers were reportedly injured in a fistfight that broke out between those who support management and those who support the strikers.