South Korea.. Small traders protest working hours restrictions and threaten civil disobedience

Hundreds of restaurant owners and other small business owners demonstrated in central Seoul on Tuesday, urging the government to lift restrictions on working hours and provide them with adequate compensation for coronavirus losses.

Affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly 200 members of the so-called “Emergency Small Business Association” gathered in a protest march to demand their right to stay near Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul.

As part of existing measures to combat COVID-19, private gatherings of more than six people were banned across the country, cafes and restaurants were closed at 9 PM, and opening hours and other businesses such as special education centers were restricted until 10 PM. .

Demonstrators demand the abolition of working hours and 1 billion won($833,333 million) to be included in the government’s upcoming compensation measures for those affected by the coronavirus, and the government has called for 100% compensation for the damages it has caused. social distancing measures.

Association members plan to launch a civil disobedience campaign and also file a lawsuit against the restriction of working hours, as they will open their shops and restaurants 24 hours a day from Monday next week if their demands are not accepted. A lawsuit was filed against the anti-virus measures implemented by the state against private companies.

The demonstrators then marched to the presidential office and presented a proposal to the presidential office for their demand.

14 trillion designed primarily to offset business damage caused by anti-virus restrictions wonMore than 1,000 additional budget bills are currently awaiting approval in Parliament.

The government will announce on Friday whether the current social distancing system will be extended or relaxed in the coming weeks.

Source: “Yonhap”