Police Workplace Council Launch Nears Reality... Approximately 100,000 Sergeants and Below Expected to Be Eligible for Membership

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-ju] The membership target for the Police Workplace Council (Jikhyup), which is set to launch later this month, has been finalized. Approximately 85% of all police officers, excluding some below the rank of Police Inspector (Gyeonggam), are expected to be eligible for membership.

The National Police Agency announced on the 8th that it has distributed the recently received Jikhyup-related operational manual from the Ministry of the Interior and Safety to police stations nationwide.

The membership target excludes certain personnel below the rank of Police Inspector who are classified as supervisors, those in charge of personnel and budget, and those handling confidential tasks. However, since situations vary by police station, the heads of each institution have been instructed to consult specifically with their respective Jikhyup.

The amended Act on the Establishment and Operation of Public Officials' Workplace Councils, which allows the establishment of workplace councils in police and fire departments, will take effect on the 11th of this month. Although the Jikhyup does not have the right to collective action, it is stipulated that members can negotiate with their institution heads on improving working conditions, enhancing work efficiency, and handling grievances, thereby granting minimal rights to association and negotiation. Eligible public officials are those at grade 6 or below, corresponding to Police Inspectors (Gyeonggam) or lower in police ranks.

According to the National Police Agency's standards, about 100,000 officers, roughly 85% of the total, are expected to be eligible for Jikhyup membership. At a press briefing on the same day, Lee Yong-pyo, Commissioner of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, said, "Since we have received the standard plan from the National Police Agency, we expect the establishment of the Jikhyup to accelerate going forward."

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