A large-scale downtown rally was held today (July 11) by civil servant and teacher labor unions, demanding wage increases and measures to address the income gap before pension payments begin.

The Joint Struggle Committee for the Survival Rights of Civil Servants and Teachers held the "July 11 Civil Servant and Teacher Workers' Rally" near Sungnyemun Gate in Jung-gu, Seoul, at approximately 1:30 p.m. today.

The rally saw participation from five organizations, including the Korean Government Employees' Union (KGEU), the Korean Federation of Government Employees' Unions (KFGEU), the Korean Teachers and Education Workers Union (KTU), the Police Workplace Council, and the National Democratic Postal Workers' Union.

With approximately 14,000 people in attendance according to organizers, participants held signs with messages such as "Low bank balances erode our sense of duty," calling for the guarantee of their right to survival.

Lee Hae-jun, chairman of the Korean Government Employees' Union, stated that they would fight to change a system that unilaterally shifts responsibility and hardship onto lower-level civil servants.

He further encouraged members to unite and engage in an all-out struggle to achieve a 7.1 percent increase in civil servant wages for 2027.

Gong Ju-seok, chairman of the Korean Federation of Government Employees' Unions, pointed out the issue of the income gap that occurs after retirement before pension payments begin, noting that many are dying in the line of duty due to work-related exhaustion.

Kim Woo-jung, secretary-general of the Imsil County branch of the Korean Federation of Government Employees' Unions, criticized the issues surrounding election administrative duties, low allowances, and wage levels that are out of touch with reality.

Min Gwan-gi, chairman of the Police Workplace Council, strongly urged for the establishment of a police labor union that can legally and confidently exercise its rights.

Park Young-hwan, chairman of the Korean Teachers and Education Workers Union, stated that the situation in schools has reached a breaking point, demanding solutions for malicious complaints and child abuse reporting issues. Go Gwang-wan, chairman of the National Democratic Postal Workers' Union, called for improvements to the mail delivery work system.

(Photo: Yonhap News)