Daegu Teachers' Union: "Applying the Conflict of Interest Prevention Act to Public School Teachers Is Overlegislation"

Through a Statement, Claims to 'Exclude Teachers' ... "Should Be Limited to Senior Officials, Elected Positions, and Civil Servants in Charge of Duties"

The photo shows Seong Il-jong, the subcommittee chairman, declaring the opening of the 4th Bill Review 2nd Subcommittee of the Political Affairs Committee held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul on the 14th. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Choi Jae-ho] The Daegu Teachers' Union expressed opposition on the 14th, following the passage of the Conflict of Interest Act at the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee's Bill Review Subcommittee, stating that including public school teachers as subjects of the law is "excessive legislation."

The Daegu Teachers' Union (Chairperson Lee Bomi) pointed out in a statement on the 16th that "including 'public school admission grades and performance evaluation duties' as private stakeholders related to teachers in the bill is an excessive leap linking performance evaluations to fraud and corruption."

They particularly argued that including kindergarten, elementary, and middle school teachers who are unrelated to college entrance exams, while excluding private school teachers performing the same duties, lacks legitimacy and fairness.

The union emphasized the need to amend the bill, stating, "Corruption related to entrance exam grades is already severely punished under other laws," and "Including teachers in this law lowers the morale of all teachers who serve with an educational vocation and dedication, and provokes public outrage."

The Conflict of Interest Prevention Act contains provisions to prevent and manage conflicts of interest situations where public officials' private interests interfere or may interfere with fair job performance, and prohibits obtaining financial benefits through the use of confidential information acquired in the course of duty.

If this law passes the plenary session of the National Assembly, it will apply to about 1.9 million people, including public officials, public institution employees, and local council members. When including spouses and direct lineal relatives, the actual number of subjects increases further. Private school teachers and journalists were excluded during the discussion process due to opinions that the regulation was excessive.

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