One of South Korea's largest labor groups is set to join a strike by thousands of state power workers, now in its sixth week with no breakthrough in sight. 

The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions says as many as 120,000 workers will walk off the job Tuesday to support the strikers at state-run power plant companies. Auto workers, taxi drivers and shipbuilders are also expected to join the strike. 

The South Korean government says it will not negotiate with the striking workers unless union leaders accept plans to privatize the debt-ridden electricity sector. 

Up to 4,000 workers went on strike February 25 to protest the sell-off plans, which they fear will lead to mass layoffs. 

The government has threatened to fire striking workers who ignored an ultimatum to return to work by March 25. Authorities have also hinted they might use force against union leaders holed up at Seoul's Myondong Cathedral - a traditional safe haven for militant labor activists. 

Some information for this report provided by Reuters and AFP.

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