US, "Considering Importance of Duties for Korean Workers of USFK During Unpaid Leave"

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] The U.S. military has indicated that even if unpaid leave is implemented for 9,000 Korean workers employed by the U.S. Forces Korea due to delays in reaching an agreement on the Korea-U.S. defense cost-sharing negotiations, some key personnel may be excluded from the leave.

On the 19th (local time), U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff Vice Chairman William Burns held a briefing with spokesperson Jonathan Hoffman, stating, "9,000 is a significant number," and added, "We are continuing negotiations, and there are large-scale, medium-scale, and small-scale options regarding the numbers."

Vice Chairman William further said, "If necessary, we will have to prioritize the tasks performed by these workers," and "Priority should be given to life, health, and safety."

This can be interpreted as meaning that, considering the negative effects expected if unpaid leave becomes a reality, tasks related to the life, health, and safety of the U.S. Forces Korea will be maintained.

The U.S. Forces Korea announced last month in a press release that if the defense cost-sharing agreement is not reached, Korean workers could enter temporary unpaid leave starting April 1.

General Robert Abrams, commander of the U.S. Forces Korea, also mentioned on the 18th that the Korean workers' union should prepare for potential unpaid leave if the defense cost-sharing agreement is not finalized.

Meanwhile, the issue of defense cost-sharing negotiations is expected to be a key agenda item at the Korea-U.S. Defense Ministers' Meeting scheduled to be held in Washington D.C. on the 24th.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.