Integrated Union Urges Strengthening Autonomy and Decentralization Following Democratic Party's Landslide Victory in General Election

Union Demands Fulfillment of Promises to Improve Labor Conditions and Complete Public Service Reform to the Democratic Party and the 21st National Assembly

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] The National Integrated Public Officials Labor Union (Chairman Lee Chung-jae, photo) released a commentary on the results of the 21st National Assembly election on the 16th.

The Integrated Union first expressed condolences on the occasion of the 6th anniversary of the April 16 Sewol Ferry disaster, praying for the repose of the deceased and stating that it is a day for the state and public service to deeply reflect on their responsibilities to the people.

The Integrated Union urged the newly formed 21st National Assembly to uphold the will of the people expressed in the general election and to accomplish tasks such as improving labor conditions and innovating the public service sector in the spirit of the Candlelight Revolution.

In its commentary, the Integrated Union focused on the ruling Democratic Party of Korea, which secured a majority of seats in the National Assembly in this election, urging it to fulfill reform tasks such as improving labor conditions, innovating the public service sector, and advancing toward a labor-centered society.

It stated that the Democratic Party's victory can be attributed to its effective response to the COVID-19 pandemic, but it can also be interpreted as reflecting the public's desire to complete the Candlelight Revolution.

The Integrated Union demanded that the Democratic Party faithfully implement the pledges it announced ahead of this general election in the 21st National Assembly. It urged the swift ratification of the major International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions as promised by the Democratic Party.

Regarding decentralization, the union pointed out that central government authority remains excessive and called for efforts to strengthen grassroots democracy and fiscal decentralization, and to substantially expand local autonomy systems to reinforce autonomy and decentralization.

It also demanded that the Democratic Party keep its pledge to "expand the participation of workers in public institutions through observer systems on boards of directors, introduce labor director systems, and establish conditions for public institutions to lead the realization of social values" by promoting cooperation between labor and management in public institution operations.

The Integrated Union urged the Moon Jae-in administration not to forget and to practice the initial spirit of creating a labor-centered society, declaring its willingness to actively cooperate if the administration makes efforts to fulfill this goal.

While congratulating the Democratic Party on its victory, the Integrated Union warned, "The responsibility of victory may be greater than expected. It must be remembered that the generous support of the people can return like a boomerang."

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