Minju No Chong Fails to Ratify Tripartite Agreement... Chairman Kim Myung-hwan Says "Including Position Decision"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bo-kyung] The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) failed to obtain internal approval for the tripartite representative meeting agreement. KCTU Chairman Kim Myung-hwan hinted at making a decision by mentioning his "position."

On the 30th, the KCTU, which has been participating in the tripartite representative meeting to overcome the COVID-19 crisis, did not secure internal approval for the tentative tripartite agreement.

At the Central Executive Committee meeting chaired by Chairman Kim on the same day, the KCTU gathered leadership opinions on the tentative tripartite agreement but could not reach a conclusion.

Chairman Kim explained the agreement, saying, "Although there are insufficient and inadequate parts, the main contents were created in line with the original purpose of proposing social dialogue. It includes protection for vulnerable non-regular workers during the disaster period, introduction of universal employment insurance, sickness benefits allowing workers to rest when ill, and blocking wage concession theories."

He continued, "Some Central Executive Committee members consistently argue that the agreement should be discarded, but I believe it should be preserved. We need to step forward based on it. That is my judgment and conviction," he emphasized.

Finally, he declared the suspension of the meeting and stated, "I will make a decision, including my position, as soon as possible."

If the KCTU participates in the agreement based on Chairman Kim's independent decision without Central Executive Committee approval, the internal backlash within the organization is expected to be significant.

The tripartite representative meeting, launched on the 20th of last month, recently prepared a tentative agreement through working-level consultations and vice-chairman-level meetings, and planned to announce the final agreement after internal approval from the tripartite parties.

The agreement is known to cover employment retention, the universal employment insurance system, and the introduction of a sickness benefit system.

If the KCTU participates in the agreement, it will be the first social agreement involving major tripartite parties including the KCTU in 22 years since the tripartite agreement during the 1998 IMF foreign exchange crisis.

Meanwhile, the Federation of Korean Trade Unions (FKTU) is also scheduled to hold a Central Executive Committee meeting this afternoon to gather internal opinions on the tentative agreement.

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