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Unifor Road Transport Council calls for justice following death of truck driver Seo Gwong-seouk
Unifor’s Road Transport Council is deeply saddened by the tragic and untimely death of Brother Seo Gwong-seouk, a member of the Korean Public Service and Transport Workers’ Union (KPTU-TruckSol), who died defending the fundamental right to free and fair collective bargaining in South Korea.
According to KPTU-TruckSol, Seo died at the hands of excessive police force tied to ongoing disputes between truck drivers and government authorities over labour rights and working conditions. His death has sparked international concern and renewed calls for accountability and reform.
The right to bargain is essential to workers everywhere, yet, it continues to be systematically eroded around the world, forcing workers to risk, and even sacrifice, their lives to defend it.
Brother Seo’s death underscores systemic and deeply rooted challenges faced by workers, particularly the fight for decent work. It is wholly unacceptable for any worker to die while asserting their right to bargain, or while defending any basic workplace right. This tragedy exposes the unchecked power of corporations, that act above the law and beyond accountability to workers and communities. The lack of action and accountability following this incident highlights the imbalance of power between employers and working people.
We join KPTU-TruckSol’s call for justice and urge the government to immediately undertake a thorough investigation into this incident, carry out a full inquiry and punish the individuals and institutions found responsible. Inaction is not merely an insult—it is profound disregard for justice and for the lives and rights of workers.
Brother Seo’s death must not be in vain. It must not happen again. One death is too many.
Brother Seo’s courage, conviction and unwavering commitment to workers’ rights will not be forgotten. His dedication to defending labour rights stand as a powerful example and a source of inspiration for unionists around the world.
The 24,000 members of Unifor’s Road Transport Council, and Unifor members across Canada, stand in solidarity with KPTU-TruckSol during this difficult time and remain united in the ongoing fight for safer and better working conditions in the trucking industry around the world.
