Guui Station Accident's 10th Anniversary: Calls for Safer Work Conditions

The Hankyoreh reports on the 10th anniversary of the Guui Station screen door accident, a tragic incident that claimed the life of a 19-year-old worker in 2016. A memorial ceremony was held at Guui Station, where attendees paid tribute to the victim and all those lost to industrial accidents. The event served as a somber reminder that despite the passage of a decade and the enactment of laws like the Serious Accidents Punishment Act, the dangers faced by workers on the ground remain a pressing issue.

Organized by labor unions, including the Korean Public Service and Transport Workers' Union and the Seoul Metro Union, the ceremony was a powerful call for change. A central demand was the mandatory implementation of a 'two-person system' for hazardous work, aiming to ensure that no worker has to face dangerous situations alone. This plea underscores the ongoing struggle for improved safety standards and worker protection in South Korea.

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We strongly urge the mandatory implementation of a two-person system for dangerous tasks.

The event also included a 'Life Safety Citizen Pledge Ceremony,' attended by candidates running for Seoul mayor. This gathering symbolized a broader societal commitment to creating a safer urban environment and a society that prioritizes life and safety above all else. The participation of political figures highlights the issue's significance in the public consciousness and the political arena. The messages of remembrance and the calls for systemic change reflect a collective desire to prevent such tragedies from recurring and to build a more secure future for all workers.

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We confirm our commitment to creating a safe Seoul and strengthen the resolve of labor and civil society towards a life-safety society.