Statement of solidarity on the occasion of
KHMU National Congress, 12-13 March 2015

 

 

Dear President Yoo Ji-Hyun and members of KHMU,

 

On behalf of the more than 20 million members of Public Services International (PSI), I send you our congratulations and warm greetings on the occasion of the KHMU National Congress on 12-13 March.

 

We would also like to congratulate KHMU President Yoo Ji-Hyun who received almost 94% support from your members in the recent union elections. This is the first time in the KHMU history that a president has been re-elected, demonstrating strong union support of the President Yoo Ji-Hyun’s leadership record over the last three years.

 

Since coming into power, the Park Geun-hye government has intensified its attacks on public health care and health workers by trying to privatise the health care sector. The business community knows that people cannot live without health services and is keen to make a profit from the huge market that health represents.

 

Defending public health care is one of the fundamental aims of PSI. Everyone needs health care services and quality public health care not only ensures the well-being of our people and communities, but also redistributes wealth by granting universal access to health for all.

 

PSI continues to stand with you against the Korean government’s attempt to privatise the health sector and against the clear violations of trade union rights. We recognise your power and determination to continue to defend and strengthen quality public health care services in Korea and to protect workers’ rights.

 

We wish you once again a very successful Congress and assure you of the continued support and solidarity of PSI and its members around the world.

 

In solidarity,

Rosa Pavanelli

General Secretary