Integrated Union Demands Restoration of Labor Day Name and Guaranteed Paid Leave for Public Officials

Integrated Union Urges Easing Restrictions on Political Basic Rights for Public Worker Laborers

[Asia Economy Reporter Jong-il Park] The National Integrated Public Officials Labor Union (Chairman Seong-eun An) issued a statement on May 1st, Labor Day, demanding the restoration of the Labor Day name, guaranteeing paid leave for public officials on Labor Day, and easing restrictions on the political basic rights of public official workers.

The Integrated Union advocated for the restoration of the Labor Day name, emphasizing that “it is a rightful recognition and treatment of the historical meaning and value of Labor Day.” They also stated, “Although Labor Day is legally designated as a paid holiday, currently public official workers are not able to properly rest,” urging the guarantee of “paid holidays for public official workers.”

Furthermore, they demanded the easing of restrictions on the political basic rights of public official workers. The Integrated Union argued, “Restrictions on the political basic rights of public official workers are severe,” and “All political activities are prohibited under the pretext of political neutrality obligations.”

They emphasized that for public official workers to “protect their rights and interests through union activities, freedom of political activities based on political basic rights must be accompanied,” and that “the current law’s comprehensive prohibition of all political activities is a serious human rights violation.”

Even though public official workers have political neutrality obligations as public servants, “restrictions on political basic rights should be the minimum necessary related to their duties. The content of the restrictions should also be specific. Prohibiting all political activities regardless of reason, as is currently done, is anachronistic.”

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