News

The pursuit of profit in Korea's health care system are at the heart of the huge struggle going on in Korea today.

The members of the Korean Healthcare and Medical Workers' Union (KHMU) are on the front lines of this struggle, as is their President Sister Yoo Ji-Hyun who is right now on a hunger strike in opposition to the huge changes proposed to health care in Korea. These changes would see the pursuit of profit prioritised over the health and well being of Korean people and are strongly opposed by workers in the sector as well as the general public.

UNI Global Union has sent support to the KHMU and expressed solidarity from across the world to union members who plan strikes from June 24 - 30 and throughout July. Members are also calling for a general strike. You can support these unionsts by sending a letter to the Minister of Health - see details below.

UNI Global Union has also made contact with the Minister of Health to voice a strong rejection and opposition to the commercialisation of health services in Korea. UNI Global Union stands with the KHMU in rejecting proposed changes to the Medical Services Act, and supports the union's position that the current Act should be maintained.

Unionists know from our experiences worldwide that changes such as this will undermine the health and safety of the Korean people. These changes will promote and expand a system where profit rather than patient health is the primary concern. These changes represent a fundamental lack of respect and recognition for both the public and for hospital workers.

Given the recent disasters which have sadly impacted on many Koreans such as the Sewol Ferry disaster and the Jangsung HyoSarang Elderly Care Centre fire, it is time to put the Korean people first, and for proper, reliable regulation of the health care sector, with access to quality health for all.

Through their staunch and decisive actions the KHMU is defending the rights and wellbeing of ordinary Korean people who will face not only increased costs, but will face suffering and hardship through this generation, and generations to come, as a result of the proposed changes.

We urge the Minister to immediately bring a halt to the proposed changes, and to protect the wellbeing of people over the pursuit of profit.

June and July are critical months when decisions will be made. You and your union can send a letter to the Minister of Health in Korea to help stop these changes and give support to our brothers and sisters who are on the front line of this struggle.

Please write and send your letter to: Moon Hyung-Pyo, Minister of Health & Welfare at the following fax numbers:

+82-44-202-3924
+82-44-202-3923

Please also send a copy to khmu@naver.com so union members know they have your support.

(The image shows KHMU President Yoo Ji-Hyun (right) with UNI Global Union regional coordinator Jay Choi on the picket line)