"Education Director, Come Out Immediately" Controversy Over Verbal Abuse and Offensive Remarks by Jeonnam School Staff Union

Wage Increase Demand vs Compliance with National Wage Negotiation Regulations

The Jeonnam Education Workers' Union strongly clashed with education office staff who tried to block their attempt to enter the Director of Education's office while demanding a wage increase.

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Jun-kyung] The conflict surrounding the Jeonnam School Irregular Workers' Union (hereinafter referred to as the Hakbi Union)'s demand for a wage increase for sports instructors is escalating.

On the 9th at around 12:30 PM, about 10 union members of the Hakbi Union attempted to enter the Education Director's office at the entrance of the Jeonnam Provincial Office of Education, urging a wage increase for sports instructors, but clashed strongly with the education office staff who tried to stop them.

According to the Jeonnam Provincial Office of Education, under the '2021 Other Occupations Treatment Improvement Plan,' sports instructors receive a basic salary (monthly) of 1.9 million KRW, meal allowance (monthly) of 140,000 KRW, holiday allowance (annual) of 1.2 million KRW, customized welfare allowance (annual) of 550,000 KRW, statutory burden and retirement pay (annual) of 900,000 KRW, paid annual leave allowance (15 days), patrol allowance (monthly) of 80,000 KRW, and other family allowances.

Initially, the Office of Education decided the salary based on the nationwide representative group's wage payment standards, but due to an administrative error by the responsible staff, 171 sports instructors were overpaid 140,000 KRW each month for nine months starting from June last year. Accordingly, a decision to restore the wages to the original amount based on contract expiration at the end of this month was sent to each school.

In response, union members dissatisfied with the decision suddenly showed up without prior notice and headed toward the Education Director's office, leading to friction as education office staff tried to control access.

In particular, some union members displayed aggressive behavior such as kicking office equipment toward staff, drawing disapproving looks from bystanders.

Union member A said, "Education Director, come out immediately. If you stay quiet, do you think I won't do anything?" and "I'll do it alone. Why are you cutting wages?" while vehemently protesting with abusive language.

The staff managed to calm them down, but the agitated union members continuously shouted and strongly demanded a meeting with the Education Director.

An official from the Office of Education stated, "The union's claim that 'wages were cut' does not make sense," adding, "In fact, last year, wages were paid higher than those decided in the nationwide wage negotiations."

He continued, "It is reasonable in principle to follow the nationwide wage negotiation regulations starting this year," and added, "Due to COVID-19, the education office budget has been significantly reduced, so everyone is facing difficulties. Mutual consideration is necessary."

The Hakbi Union branch chief attempted to confirm the facts by phone on the 9th but said, "I will contact you after checking because I did not attend the protest site," and has remained silent since then.

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