On the 1st Anniversary of the National Fire Safety Officials Labor Union Launch

[Asia Economy Reporter Jong-il Park] The National Fire Safety Officials Labor Union (Chairman Hong Suntak) has marked its first anniversary since taking vigorous steps to promote the development of firefighting in the Republic of Korea and realize a vibrant public service society through a cooperative labor-management relationship.

The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions Firefighters Union announced on the 6th that it has been working hard for its members by improving working conditions and signing collective agreements to enhance members' rights and interests.

Over the past year, the Firefighters Union has been running tirelessly. Improvements include the automatic fire alarm dispatch system, the 3-shift 1-day off (dangbihyu) work system, improvements in annual leave deduction days, a one-person relay protest condemning the culture of power harassment, the establishment of a mental and physical training center for firefighters (the first in Jumunjin, Gangwon Province), and the enactment of the Public Officials’ Injury Compensation Act, known as the ‘Presumption of Work-Related Injury System for Firefighters,’ which was promulgated on June 10 this year and is set to be implemented on June 11 next year.

In particular, the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions Firefighters Union has made efforts to protect firefighters’ rights and welfare through memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with the major law firm DaeRuk Aju, the labor law firm ‘Saramgwa Sanjae,’ Suncheon Drone Academy, and the travel agency ‘Ulleungdo Cruise,’ and plans to further develop these initiatives.

Chairman Hong Suntak stated, “Going forward, our Korean Confederation of Trade Unions Firefighters Union will do its utmost to establish itself as a union that works not only for its members but also alongside the public,” adding, “Rather than going fast alone, we will strive to be a union that moves slowly but steadily together.”

Vice Chairman Hwang Sunwoo (Chairman of the Gyeonggi Headquarters) asserted, “Complete nationalization of firefighters must be achieved to improve the safety and working conditions of firefighters who sweat to protect the public’s safety on the front lines, and the allowances for firefighters, frozen for 26 years, must be raised to reflect current realities.”

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