Joe Hill (1879-1915), an American singer-songwriter and labor activist from Sweden. Before his execution, he left a will stating, "Don't mourn me, organize." [Photo: Wikimedia Commons]

Over ten years ago, a book titled "The Man Who Couldn't Die" was published in the United States. It was the first comprehensive account of the life of Joe Hill, a labor activist and singer-songwriter. 

Joe Hill, an immigrant laborer from Sweden, shed light on the arduous lives of itinerant workers through his folk songs based on his own experiences and actively participated in activities to improve labor conditions. He was later implicated in a murder case and, without clear evidence, was convicted of murder and sentenced to death. 

Following this case, which has been called a "judicial murder," Joe Hill became an icon of the labor movement.

The Bleak Labor Conditions of the Late 19th Century... The Background of the Labor Movement's Emergence

In the late 19th century, 12-hour workdays, appalling working conditions, low wages, and unjust violence and dismissals were commonplace in workplaces around the world. In a situation where entire families had to work just to make ends meet, and with no other options or time to find alternatives, workers could only endure, their deepest desire being an 8-hour workday and a minimum wage to survive. 

Given these circumstances, it was only natural that the labor movement began to take root as workers, one by one, began to voice their earnest demands. 

Labor Movement Distorted by the Intervention of Socialist Logic

The problem was that socialist logic intervened in the earnest and just anger and aspirations of the workers. 

In the early stages of the labor movement, governments suppressed unions because they felt threatened by the liberal democratic system based on capitalism. 

Entering the 20th century, the labor movement was largely led by socialists. A representative figure among them was Bill Haywood. 

Bill Haywood, Who Incited Violence and Strikes, Was a Marxist

A fervent member of the American Socialist Party and a Marxist, he advocated for direct action and strikes as his weapons, and the rallies and strikes he led often devolved into violence. 

Due to these actions, he attracted the attention of public security authorities and was arrested for espionage. He eventually took advantage of a temporary release for an appeal and defected to the Soviet Union (now Russia). He spent the rest of his life there but could not shake his longing for his homeland, eventually passing away alone due to a combination of alcoholism, diabetes, and a stroke. 

Bill Haywood Ultimately Defected to Russia

"Robbery! That's good! I like that word. It means taking something from the capitalists. But you need power to take."

These were words often uttered by Bill Haywood. He had, in his own simplified logic, distilled Karl Marx's "Das Kapital" into these propositions. 

He also said, "Labor produces all wealth. Therefore, all wealth belongs to the laborers, the producers."

It is precisely this statement that is plaguing our Republic of Korea today. 

The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) That Has Plagued Korea's Shipbuilding Industry

In particular, the shipbuilding industry, which dominates the global market with its unparalleled shipbuilding technology, has faced numerous crises due to the actions of the members of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU). 

Currently, the Korean shipbuilding industry is recording unprecedented profits as of 2025, entering the peak of a 'second super cycle.' Through the establishment of AI-based smart shipyards and the expansion of marine defense export, it is solidifying its position as a global marine leader beyond simple manufacturing. 

However, just three years ago, the shipbuilding industry was on the verge of emerging from a long period of recession. Internally, it was experiencing a 'crisis amidst prosperity' due to the dual hardships of 'labor shortages' and 'rising costs.' The cause, of course, was the KCTU, with the 2022 strike by subcontractors at Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (now Hanwha Ocean) being a prime example.

The 2022 Daewoo Shipbuilding Strike Puts the Entire Shipbuilding Industry in Crisis

In 2022, at Daewoo Shipbuilding, the subcontractor's union engaged in an illegal strike that lasted over a month, occupying the docks, a key production facility, and disrupting operations. This occurred at a moment when the struggling shipbuilding industry had a chance to recover, thanks to the increased demand for European LNG carriers due to the Russia-Ukraine war. 

However, it was a moment when that opportunity could have been lost due to the unreasonable and selfish struggle of the subcontractor's union, affiliated with the KCTU. 

If you look at the subcontractor's union's demands, the core is nothing more than the unreasonable assertion: "Why are you the only one living well? I want to live as well as you."

They do not acknowledge the precarious days and hardships faced by employers who have single-handedly borne the risks to protect and grow the company. 

South Korea's Working Welfare Level is Among the Top OECD Countries

Currently, workers in South Korea are guaranteed minimum wage and work 8 hours a day, 5 days a week. Beyond their monthly salaries, they are also guaranteed welfare benefits at a level among the top in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). 

As of 2025, South Korea's minimum wage already exceeds 60% of the median wage and is close to 90% of the median living cost for the entire population. 

To self-employed individuals working alone without employees, and to the unemployed who cannot even find self-employment and are struggling to make a living, they appear to be the privileged class. Even Lim Jong-seok, the Chief of Staff to the President during the Moon Jae-in administration, stated, "We no longer consider the KCTU and the Korean Teachers and Education Workers Union as socially vulnerable."

For the Unemployed, Low-Wage Workers are Envied 'Privileged Class'

The socially vulnerable are elsewhere. The vulnerable and impoverished groups mentioned by the Democratic Party's supporters and the KCTU, namely low-wage workers, are objects of envy for some. This is because, nowadays, anyone with a paying job in South Korea is already part of the privileged class. Their desire to live better, backed by their unions, has pushed countless truly vulnerable individuals into the lives of unemployed people with no prospects. 

These are individuals who were laid off from their jobs, started businesses they never intended to run with their severance pay, lost their capital, were shocked by the reality that even convenience stores wouldn't hire those over 50, and were forced to become small business owners or self-employed by taking out loans against their homes... 

Faced with the reality of potentially losing their homes due to a sudden rise in interest rates, they are powerless...

'Solo' Self-Employed and Elderly Unemployed are the True Vulnerable

Even though everything was done for their families, they are now subjected to scolding and criticism from their families, enduring each day with the spirit of ascetics. Consider how many baby boomers must envy the union members of the KCTU who receive wages. 

To those who relentlessly act like victims, who seek to walk the path of Bill Haywood: if that's what you want, then go, whether it be to North Korea or Russia. If not, please, for a moment, set aside your selfishness and look around. Think about how you can help the truly vulnerable, our unfortunate neighbors. KCTU, wake up!! 

By Reporter Park Hye-su