Sunday's labour rally ended in violence

The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) claimed that 150,000 of its 650,000 members had walked out in 120 workplaces.

But the Labour Ministry said less than one-third of that total had participated.

And only half the planned 10,000 union members took part in a demonstration in central Seoul.

Little disruption

Unions are demanding an end to laws that allow management to to seize wages and assets from workers or sue over illegal strikes.

Wednesday's strike follows a half-day action last week, and violent clashes between protesters and riot police over the weekend.

But the latest strike was somewhat less drastic than many had feared.

Transportation in Seoul and the port of Inchon was not disrupted, despite industrial action among rail workers.

And the trade union at Hyundai Motor staged only a four-hour protest, scaling back on their plans for a day-long walkout.

Mastering the unions

Labour unrest has intensified since three activists committed suicide last month over the new labour law.

According to the KCTU, employers have sued union leaders at 40 workplaces with the intention of seizing their assets in compensation for losses caused by strikes.

The government is keen to avoid a prolonged period of instability, but wants to prove that it is capable of mastering any renewed militancy.