The Safe Freight Rate System Passed to the National Assembly… Ruling Party "3-Year Extension" vs Opposition "Abolish Sunset Clause"

Democratic Party Announces Legislation, Strengthens Push to Abolish Sunset Clause
Uncertain if Ruling and Opposition Parties Will Reach Agreement Amidst Stalled Assembly Formation

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jun-yi] The National Assembly is set to begin serious discussions on amendments regarding the agreement between the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and the Cargo Solidarity Union. Both ruling and opposition parties agree on implementing the Safe Freight Rate System, but there appears to be disagreement over whether to extend it for three years or abolish the sunset clause altogether.

The People Power Party leans toward extending the sunset clause for three years rather than abolishing it immediately. On the 15th, Lee Jun-seok, leader of the People Power Party, said on KBS Radio, "I have a very positive evaluation of the purpose of the Safe Freight Rate System," but added, "The issue is that the sunset clause has been in effect for three years, and there should be a point to evaluate the system's performance to make it permanent. However, due to special circumstances such as COVID-19 during the three-year period, it was difficult to measure accurately. It is important to have an opportunity to further evaluate the results," suggesting the possibility of an extension.

On the other hand, the Democratic Party supports the Cargo Solidarity Union's position that the sunset clause should be completely abolished and is urging legislation. On the same day, Park Hong-geun, floor leader of the Democratic Party, held a press conference with representatives of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions at the National Assembly, stating, "We will firmly support the agreement through legislation so that it does not remain a temporary measure," and added, "We will take a step further by selecting the abolition of the sunset clause and the expansion of applicable items as legislative tasks and push them forward." He also urged, "The ruling People Power Party should cooperate in normalizing the National Assembly, including negotiations on the organization of the Assembly, to implement the agreement between the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and the Cargo Solidarity Union as soon as possible."

Earlier, Cho Oh-seop, a Democratic Party lawmaker, also introduced a bill titled 'Partial Amendment to the Freight Motor Vehicle Transport Business Act,' focusing on abolishing the sunset clause of the Safe Freight Rate System.

However, since negotiations on the organization of the Assembly are delayed, it is expected to be a difficult situation from the start of inter-party negotiations. In this regard, the day before, Chairman Woo proposed a four-party meeting among party leaders and floor leaders, but the People Power Party expressed refusal.

Meanwhile, the Justice Party, which has expressed support for expanding the Safe Freight Rate System, held a meeting with the Cargo Solidarity Union at the National Assembly on the same morning. Lee Eun-joo, floor leader of the Justice Party, said, "The ball is now in the National Assembly's court. The National Assembly must not remain idle in implementing the agreement, including the continued promotion of the Safe Freight Rate System, expansion of applicable items, and discussions on increasing fuel subsidies," and added, "Through discussions with the Cargo Solidarity Union, Assemblywoman Shim Sang-jung will introduce a bill to amend the Freight Motor Vehicle Act."

She also demanded of the People Power Party and the Democratic Party, "The organization of the National Assembly can no longer be an excuse," and urged, "I hope you come to the discussions with responsible party positions and bills."

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