Thousands of union workers in South Korea wearing costumes inspired by the?Netflix?hit Squid Game?rallied in the streets to protest for more jobs and better work conditions.
Workers, in large numbers, staged nationwide demonstrations in Seoul and elsewhere,?where dozens of members dressed up in flamboyant jumpsuits and masks worn by actors in the Netflix?show,?CBS News reported.?
Made in South Korea, the survival series is centred on a game in which 456 financially challenged adults compete in deadly games to win a massive cash prize.?
The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) said some 80,000 members joined rallies across 13 cities, which caused severe traffic congestion and disruption.?
The demonstrations came despite?repeated government warnings that the rally was illegal and?violated COVID-19 restrictions.
Many schools were affected as canteen workers hung up their aprons. About 1,000 delivery workers also turned off their phone apps to join the strike.
Irregular workers do not receive the full benefits under South Korea's labour laws. They include temporary workers and contract workers.
The KCTU also called for the right for all workers to form unions; for the government to take more responsibility for ensuring job security as the country's economy transitions from industry to services; and for the strengthening of public transportation networks, medical care, housing and education.??