The 50th Anniversary of Martyr Jeon Tae-il: What Will We Do?

Integrated Union Issues Statement on the 50th Anniversary of Martyr Jeon Tae-il, Recognizing Harsh Labor Conditions and Pledging Institutional Reform and Labor-Respecting Culture Improvement Based on Social Solidarity

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] The National Integrated Public Officials Labor Union (Chairman Lee Chung-jae · photo Integrated Union) released a statement on the 13th to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Martyr Jeon Tae-il, saying, “The martyr’s cry was a standard and a wake-up call that urged our society to continuously strive for a labor-respecting culture.”

They also stated, “The harsh labor realities that continue even on the 50th anniversary of Martyr Jeon Tae-il call for the awakening of our people and labor unions,” emphasizing, “Despite being one of the world’s top 10 economic powers, there is a need to realize that the labor conditions, which should make all citizens happy, have not improved at all.”

The Integrated Union further declared, “On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Martyr Jeon Tae-il, we firmly pledge to do our best for institutional reform and the improvement of labor culture based on the spirit of social solidarity to build a society where labor is respected.”

The 50th Anniversary of Martyr Jeon Tae-il, What Will We Do?

Today marks the 50th year since the late Martyr Jeon Tae-il, at the age of 22, set himself on fire on November 13, 1970, shouting “Observe the Labor Standards Act!” The martyr’s cry was a standard and a wake-up call that urged our society to continuously strive for a labor-respecting culture.

However, according to a recent public opinion survey, even after 50 years since the martyr’s sacrifice, it has been revealed that our society is still far from being a labor-respecting society. According to a survey conducted by a civic group targeting one thousand office workers, only 38% of non-regular workers responded that their treatment has improved compared to the 1970s. Fifty-five percent believed that working conditions will not improve in the future. Fifty-five percent said they cannot take days off when they want, working more than 8 hours is common, and as a result, 35% answered that their current health condition is poor.

Additionally, nearly 300 workers died from overwork last year alone, and more than 10 million workers, including 3.7 million non-regular workers in workplaces with fewer than five employees, 2.5 million special employment workers, and 3.5 million indirect employment workers, are not protected by labor laws.

The harsh labor realities that continue even on the 50th anniversary of Martyr Jeon Tae-il call for the awakening of our people and labor unions. Even in the current situation where we boast being one of the world’s top 10 economic powers, there is a need to realize that the labor conditions, which should make all citizens happy, have not improved at all.

Our National Integrated Public Officials Labor Union, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Martyr Jeon Tae-il, once again firmly pledges to do our best for institutional reform and the improvement of labor culture based on the spirit of social solidarity to build a society where labor is respected.

November 13, 2020

National Integrated Public Officials Labor Union

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