Labor's Reach

Workers across several countries engaged in labor actions demanding better pay and working conditions. In South Korea, Industrial Bank of Korea (IBK) employees launched a strike for wage increases, criticizing the bank's performance-based pay system as unfair and contributing to wage stagnation. They demand a higher base salary and a more equitable pay structure. In Nepal, teachers protesting for improved salaries and permanent employment faced violent repression by police. Demonstrations in Kathmandu were met with batons and tear gas, resulting in injuries and arrests. The teachers' actions underscore the struggle for fair compensation and job security within the Nepali education system. Indian dockworkers are preparing for a nationwide strike to protest the privatization of major ports and demand better wages and benefits. Unions are mobilizing against government policies they believe threaten job security and prioritize corporate interests over worker welfare. The strike action aims to disrupt port operations and pressure the government to address their concerns. In New Zealand, rest home support workers initiated a strike seeking pay parity with hospital workers. They argue that their work is equally demanding and essential, yet they receive significantly lower wages. The strike highlights the undervaluation of care work and the fight for equal pay for equal work within the healthcare sector. These labor actions reflect a global trend of workers demanding improved economic conditions and fair treatment. find the original article here: https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2025/05/02/aauj-m02.html