Integrated Union Gangnam-gu Branch Gains Attention for Deciding Not to Collect Union Fees in Q2 Due to COVID-19

Im Seong-cheol, Head of the Gangnam-gu Branch of the Integrated Union, Gains Attention for Waiving 2nd Quarter Union Fees to Support Members Struggling Due to COVID-19... Kindly Advises Using the Funds to Buy Daily Necessities Instead

[Asia Economy Reporter Jong-il Park] Im Seong-cheol, head of the Gangnam-gu branch of the Integrated Labor Union, has attracted attention by deciding not to collect union dues for the second quarter to support union members struggling due to COVID-19.

Instead, he kindly advised union members to use the funds to purchase daily necessities, drawing interest.

On the 8th, Branch Chief Im posted on the union bulletin board, "Dear union members! Please purchase daily necessities equivalent to the 2020 second quarter union dues~."

He began his message saying, "Although there is no war, people are dying every day, the economy is staggering, and the once crowded restaurants and streets are now quiet. Even the Gangnam academy district, which seemed to be doing business, is hard to find students in, and only wary and suspicious glances are exchanged among strangers. As the disaster situation prolongs, public officials, who were usually ignored and called 'iron rice bowls,' have stepped up to save the country by conducting disinfection, cleaning, mask distribution, and managing self-quarantined individuals. They rely on a single mask for their fate and go out to deliver supplies today as well."

He added, "The emergency situation shows no sign of ending, but the April 15 general election is being held, and election work continues daily. The Seoul city government and the central government, as if by agreement, compete to force the distribution of populist emergency disaster relief funds. There is no role for the government, and it falls on the frontline district offices and community centers."

He continued, "The Integrated Labor Union has decided to defer the payment of second quarter union dues and provide union members with the opportunity to purchase necessary daily necessities," and said, "We hope you join the 'Cooperative Shopping Mall,' which was first introduced by the labor union at the end of March, and purchase the items you need."

Those at grade 6 or higher can use 75,000 KRW, grade 7 or lower 30,000 KRW, and fixed-term employees 15,000 KRW.

The cooperative shopping mall offers over 50,000 products at prices lower than online shopping malls, allows 3% of the purchase amount to be donated to a group or institution of the buyer’s choice, and issues donation receipts for year-end tax deductions.

In particular, union members who prepaid their dues for one year can receive a refund by providing their bank name and account number via 'KakaoTalk' or text message.

Branch Chief Im added, "Payment of second quarter union dues and use of the shopping mall are personal choices, so I hope for wise decisions. Attached is the payment status of union dues, so please check whether you have paid your dues."

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