'Resolution Recommending Withdrawal of Ssangyong Motor Compensation Lawsuit' Passed by National Assembly's Public Administration Committee on 19th

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Seo Young-kyo, Chair of the National Assembly's Public Administration and Security Committee from the Democratic Party of Korea, announced that the 'Resolution Recommending Withdrawal of the Lawsuit for Damages Against Ssangyong Motor' has passed the full committee meeting.

Chair Seo stated in a press release on the 22nd that on the 19th, the 'Resolution Urging Withdrawal of the National Compensation Lawsuit Regarding Ssangyong Motor' was passed in the form of a revised proposal. This revision modifies the resolution submitted by Lee Eun-joo of the Justice Party and 117 others, urging the government to withdraw the lawsuit for damages filed against the Ssangyong Motor branch of the Korean Metal Workers' Union related to the human and material damages caused during the suppression of the occupation strike at the Ssangyong Motor Pyeongtaek plant.

The Ssangyong Motor incident, which began in May 2009 with a large-scale layoff, ended after a 77-day strike with suppression by the police special forces. Subsequently, the police pursued lawsuits for damages amounting to several billion won and provisional seizures, which led to 30 workers and their family members losing their lives.

Previously, the current government, through a fact-finding committee, defined the incident as "a case where the government, with the approval of former President Lee Myung-bak, attempted to resolve a labor dispute that should have been settled autonomously between labor and management by using police force." However, despite this conclusion, the police have not withdrawn the lawsuit, stating that "it is necessary to await the Supreme Court's final judgment."

At the full committee meeting on the 19th, members of the People Power Party expressed opposition to the resolution, but instead of a vote, their dissenting opinions were recorded in the minutes.

Chair Seo said, "I hope that the Ssangyong Motor workers and their families will no longer suffer," and added, "I hope that an environment of coexistence can be created where the trauma experienced by Ssangyong Motor workers, their families, and police officers can be healed."

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