![[ image: width=150]](/olmedia/325000/images/_328426_campus150.jpg)
The militant Korea Confederation of Trade Unions umbrella group said it would spread the strike across the country in protest at mass redundancies.
However, unionised telephone workers at Korea Telecom have withdrawn their threat to join the strike and are reported to be continuing negotiations with the state-owned company's management.
The Telecom union, which has some 42,000 members, cited a poor turnout at its strike rallies and a lack of support from non-union workers.
Campus clashes
On Sunday, violence erupted in downtown Seoul after riot police, backed by helicopters and armoured vehicles, clashed with strikers occupying a university campus.
Police sealed off Seoul Nation University where up to 5,000 students and workers have been holed up.
A vicious fight broke out in front of the university when some strikers started hurling stones and firebombs. About 50 people were arrested, according to strike leaders.
Police said only 2,500 protesters remained at the campus after the clashes.
Violence also erupted between riot police and demonstrators near the Roman Catholic cathedral in the centre of the city where other strikers were camped out.
'More protests to come'
The strikes started a week ago when Seoul subway workers walked out, but the action has since spread to other state-run corporations.
The government has given the workers until 0400 (1900 GMT) on Monday to return to work or face dismissal.
It has warned of tough action against the strikers, fearing the protests will scare away foreign investors.
Korea is already facing its worst recession for a generation. The government says that joblessness will decrease as the economy recovers.
Country profiles
Doubts over Korea's revival
(22 Apr 99 | The Economy)
South Korean strike widens
(21 Apr 99 | Asia-Pacific)
Daewoo slashes business empire
(19 Apr 99 | The Company File)
Korea News Headlines
Korea Government Homepage
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