On Labor Day, May 1, labor groups staged large rallies across downtown Seoul to press for expanded labor rights. This year marked the first time in 63 years that Labor Day was designated a public holiday.
Yonhap News reported that the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) held its "2026 World Labor Day Rally" around 3 p.m. near Gwanghwamun Station in Jongno District, calling for the right to bargain with prime contractors and legal recognition for gig and platform workers, among other demands. Organizers estimated about 10,000 attendees; police unofficially estimated about 8,000.
In a resolution, the KCTU said, "Fixed-term, platform, and subcontracted nonregular workers—such as those in special employment arrangements—do not receive adequate legal protections for labor rights," and vowed, "We will launch a full-scale campaign to carry out a general strike in July and secure collective bargaining rights with prime contractors."
Yang Kyung-soo, KCTU chairman, said, "It took a long time to restore the Labor Day designation, but conditions on the ground remain difficult," citing the plight of dismissed workers. He added, "We must institutionalize basic labor rights and strengthen unions' capacity to respond."
There were scuffles and heated exchanges among some attendees at the rally. Police intervened to restore order; authorities reported no arrests or cases filed. Some union members also criticized Yang's attendance at an event held at the Blue House.
Following the main rally, participants marched roughly 2.6 kilometers (1.6 miles) from Jonggak Station past City Hall Station to Gwanghwamun Station. Earlier, unions including the metalworkers, journalists and construction unions held pre-rallies across the city.
The Federation of Korean Trade Unions (FKTU) also held the "136th World Labor Day National Workers' Rally" around 2 p.m. in the Yeouido area. Organizers put attendance at about 30,000; police unofficially estimated around 15,000.
FKTU chairman Kim Dong-myung said, "Although Labor Day has been designated a public holiday, many workers still cannot take the day off," calling for stronger protections to guarantee the right to rest.
He emphasized that the spread of artificial intelligence and industrial transformation are reshaping working conditions, and stressed that policy discussions and decisions should proceed in ways that include, rather than exclude, labor.
Democratic Party mayoral candidate Jung Won-oh and Gyeonggi gubernatorial candidate Chu Mi-ae also attended the events. Groups affiliated with the FKTU held separate pre-rallies and press conferences to underscore the significance of Labor Day.
Reporter Hong Sun-hye redsun@viva100.com
