Repression and Struggle: the State, the Chaebol and Independent Trade Unions in South Korea

Abstract

The paper examines the interactions between the state, the chaebol and independent trade unions in South Korea from 1945 to 1999 within a political economy framework. It explores four propositions. First, that a more contingent approach is needed to understand the diversity and dynamic nature of environmental forces affecting South Korean industrial relations than the conventional emphasis on rapid industrialisation, Confucian values and anti-communist ideology. Second, that the role of the state has altered since 1987 from one of repression of labour militancy to one of playing a less interventionist role in industrial relations, although the state remains more supportive of the interests of employers. Tbird, that employers, especially family- owned conglomerates or chaebol, play an increasingly central role in industrial rela tions. Fourth, that economic, social structural and political factors aided the re-emergence of independent trade unions, in particular the development of large-scale heavy and chemical industries in regional industrial estates as part of the process of rapid industrialisation and the movement towards democratic political rule in 1987.