"Yang Kyung-soo, President-elect of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, Opposes Rollback of Serious Accident Punishment Act, Begins Hunger Strike"
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[Asia Economy Reporter Donghoon Jeong] Yang Kyung-soo, the newly elected chairman of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) and head of the KCTU Gyeonggi Regional Headquarters, began a hunger strike on the 29th to urge the National Assembly to enact the Serious Accident Corporate Punishment Act.
On the same day, Yang held a press conference in front of the National Assembly and stated, "The people's wish to create a world where no one dies from work and where workers and citizens are safe must bear fruit through the enactment of the Serious Accident Corporate Punishment Act." He added, "The KCTU, with the initiative of 100,000 workers and citizens, demands the immediate legislation and full enactment of the Serious Accident Corporate Punishment Act and will join the solidarity hunger strike."
On the same day, the National Assembly's Judiciary Committee planned to hold a subcommittee meeting in the morning to discuss the Serious Accident Corporate Punishment Act. The government proposed a phased introduction of the act, applying it differently depending on the size of the workplace. Additionally, it suggested generally easing the penalties, including lowering the severity of punishments. Compared to the ruling party's bill, the penalties are significantly reduced, which is expected to draw criticism from labor groups.
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The KCTU criticized, "Politicians visit the hunger strike site of the bereaved families and talk about enacting the law, but this is just talk. They keep postponing discussions, making excuses based on each party's interests and demands." They pointed out, "There are intense opposition from the business community regarding the essential provisions that must be included in the Serious Accident Corporate Punishment Act, and alternative bills reflecting this opposition are being discussed."
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