Arrest of trade union leaders

Detention of workers representatives
Ill-treatment of trade union leaders

Nature

The arrest of trade union leaders refers to the detention or imprisonment of individuals who lead or represent labor unions, often as a result of their activities advocating for workers’ rights. This practice is widely recognized as a significant problem, as it undermines freedom of association, collective bargaining, and the right to organize. Such arrests are frequently used by authorities or employers to suppress dissent, intimidate workers, and weaken labor movements. International organizations, including the International Labour Organization (ILO), condemn these actions as violations of fundamental human rights and obstacles to social justice and democratic governance.

Incidence

The International Metalworkers Federation in 1990 stated that South Korea holds a world record as the country with the highest number of trade unionists in prison for exercising democratic rights.