[2021 National Audit] On the Question of 'Establishing Punishment Provisions for Unfair Union Practices'... Employment Minister Says "Union Activities Must Change to Fit Public Sentiment"

October 6 National Assembly Environment and Labor Committee Employment Ministry Audit

Im Ija's Firm Statement: "Labor Unions Should Also Have Provisions Punishing Unfair Practices Like Employers"

Minister Ahn Kyungduk: "Labor Union Activities and Expression of Interests Must Change to Align with Public Sentiment"

Minister of Employment and Labor An Kyung-duk responding to questions from committee members during the National Assembly Environment and Labor Committee's audit of the Ministry of Employment and Labor held at the Government Sejong Complex on the 6th. (Photo by Yonhap News)

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] As chronic illegal and unfair labor practices such as the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU)'s occupation of Hyundai Steel and the delivery workers' union's holiday strikes have emerged as social issues, a claim was raised on the 6th during the National Assembly's audit that labor unions should also be punished for unfair labor practices like employers. Employment and Labor Minister An Kyung-duk responded, "I believe that union activities and ways of expressing interests need to change reasonably to align with public sentiment." Although Minister An did not provide a specific answer regarding the 'establishment of punishment provisions,' he conveyed a message that he is aware of the issues concerning unfair labor practices by unions.

Minister An made this remark in response to a question from Im Eui-ja, the opposition party whip from the People Power Party, during the National Assembly Environment and Labor Committee audit held at the Government Complex Sejong in the afternoon. Im, who is from the Federation of Korean Trade Unions (FKTU), reminded that Minister An has worked as a public official at the Ministry of Employment and Labor for 33 years.

Screen of the main question materials for the National Assembly Environment and Labor Committee audit by Im I-ja, a member of the People Power Party.

She then pointed out at the audit that ▲the KCTU's announced strike demands during the October 20 general strike, such as 'cutting the defense budget,' violate the Trade Union Act ▲the delivery workers' union announces strikes every holiday ▲Hyundai Steel's illegal occupation are unfair labor practices violating the Trade Union Act.

Im said, "Unfair labor practices by unions should also be punished (like employers) to maintain balance. It will cause an uproar after the audit, but this is my conviction," and directly asked, "What does Minister An, who worked at the Ministry of Employment for 33 years, think about this?"

Minister An replied, "As you pointed out, there are cases where some unions engage in excessive actions to enforce their own claims," but added, "Please consider that the majority of unions conduct legitimate labor activities."

Im reiterated her opinion on establishing punishment provisions for unfair labor practices by unions, saying, "It would have been fine if the KCTU had not committed illegal or unlawful acts, but the KCTU brought this upon themselves." Minister An responded, "As you pointed out, I believe that union activities and ways of expressing interests should change more reasonably to align with public sentiment," and added, "The Ministry of Employment will do its best to guide unions so that they can fully fulfill their roles as responsible social actors."

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