"Let's Properly Conduct the Gangnam-gu Hope Donation Relay Campaign!"

Integrated Union, Gangnam-gu Branch to Conduct 'Let's Join the Hope Donation Relay Campaign' from May 6 to July 4; Criticism Highlights Lack of Consideration for Busy Dong Community Center Staff Preparing Seoul Emergency Living Expenses and Government Emergency Disaster Relief Funds

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Gangnam-gu (District Mayor Jung Soon-gyun) is conducting a 'Hope Donation Relay Campaign' to prevent COVID-19, but the labor union agrees with the purpose while protesting that there is no consideration for the employees of the community service centers, drawing attention.

The Integrated Labor Union Gangnam-gu Branch (Branch Chief Lim Sung-chul) issued a statement on the 9th titled "Let's Do the Hope Donation (希望寄附) Relay Campaign Properly~," saying, "We appreciate the hard work of the employees who are striving to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic," and added, "From May 6 to July 4, the 'Let's Join the Hope Donation Relay Campaign' will be operated with donation zones set up in the district office lobby and COEX. Through a transportation or credit card tag method, donors can choose to give 1,900 KRW or 9,900 KRW to the Community Chest of Korea, and the collected funds will support the livelihoods of local small business owners and vulnerable groups."

The union welcomed the campaign as "a way for everyone to share and bear the pain together in these difficult times," but pointed out issues by asking, "If the purpose and intent of the event are excellent, shouldn't the event execution be perfect as well?"

Looking at the schedules by department and community from the 8th to the 19th, there is not even a trace of consideration for the community service centers.

The union criticized, "The Seoul Metropolitan Government's emergency disaster relief funds distributed at each community service center since March 30 have a deadline of May 15, and the government’s emergency disaster support funds are available for one month starting May 18," adding, "Community service center employees want to participate but cannot find the time."

They questioned, "If the official notice was issued on the 7th and participation in the event is required from the morning of the 8th, is it possible to promote and encourage professional organizations, related institutions, and companies within such a short time? If those groups cannot make time, wouldn't participation naturally fall to the employees?"

They also pointed out that at the COEX event venue, there was not a single event guide staff member visible outdoors, and there were no signposts (里程標) at all.

They criticized that it seemed like attendees were expected to find their way on their own, and the location map in the notice was not clear. Employees who participated in the event today reportedly wandered around for more than 10 minutes in front of the Megabox cinema.

Additionally, they criticized that there were no floor markings to maintain social distancing for those standing in line to donate.

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