[Reporter’s Notebook] The Urgent Need for a ‘Mature Protest Culture’ Amid the COVID Crisis

Lee Jun-kyung, Social Affairs Reporter

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Jun-kyung] The Jeonnam branch of the National School Irregular Workers' Union is pressing ahead with large-scale rallies despite the emergency quarantine situation caused by COVID-19.

The irregular workers' union began protests in July, starting with demands to convert sports instructors to indefinite contracts and to recruit 190 additional kitchen staff.

In response, the provincial education office stated, "The irregular workers' personnel expenses exceed 130%, and there is a budget limit," adding, "It is difficult to accept the union's demands unconditionally, so we propose a phased approach."

As the two sides hold opposing positions, the union has escalated to large-scale rallies since the 21st, continuing protests daily at the main gate of the Jeonnam Provincial Office of Education during employees' commuting hours.

The problem is that noise caused by chanting slogans through large speakers during the protests is significantly disrupting employees' work.

Moreover, just as the August 15 Liberation Day rally was identified as a source of COVID-19 resurgence and drew nationwide criticism, experts agree that rallies and protests during this period should be restrained due to difficulties in adhering to social distancing and quarantine rules.

Regarding this, an employee of the provincial education office expressed concern, saying, "The noise is difficult to endure, but more worrisome is that participants are not properly maintaining the 2-meter distancing rule, which is crucial during COVID-19."

In these anxious times of COVID-19 spread, protests in front of the provincial education office, which oversees Jeonnam education, are far from welcome. Especially, droplets and close contact generated amid protesters' slogans increase the risk of infection spread, drawing criticism for being far from the quarantine rules that all citizens are struggling to follow.

Of course, the constitutional right to freedom of assembly and protest is a legal right, and no one should be prevented from freedom of expression. However, in the unprecedented crisis of COVID-19, ignoring quarantine principles and occupying the entrance of the education office for months, disrupting employees' work for their claims, may reduce the persuasiveness of their demands, even if they are just.

Mature assemblies and protests require persuasive and clear justification. No matter how right the claims are, if they fail to gain sympathy and support, they lose legitimacy and face criticism. Instead of a protest culture where loud demands are always accepted, a mature protest culture that resolves conflicts through mutual respect and persuasive dialogue is necessary.

Especially in the serious situation of COVID-19, actions that could endanger our social community must be reconsidered.

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