"Mart Workers Also Want to Rest on Sundays"

Minnochoeng Service Union Opposes Vote to Abolish Mandatory Closure of Large Mart Stores

The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions Service Federation held a press conference opposing the vote to abolish mandatory closures of large supermarkets. Photo by Se-ryeong Lee ryeong@

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Seryeong] The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions Service Federation opposed the vote to abolish the mandatory closure of large discount stores in front of the main gate of Gyeongnam Provincial Government on the 26th.

The government is reviewing measures to ease regulations on large discount store operations and is conducting an online public proposal vote on abolishing the mandatory closure of large discount stores.

The mandatory closure of large discount stores, implemented 10 years ago to protect neighborhood businesses, has become a subject of controversy.

The government stated that among the 10 public proposals submitted through the online public vote, the proposal to abolish the mandatory closure of large discount stores received the most support.

The Presidential Office announced that it will reflect the top three proposals with the highest public support in policy, increasing the likelihood of ending the mandatory closure of large discount stores.

On the 26th, the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions Service Federation held a press conference in front of Gyeongnam Provincial Government and opposed the abolition of the mandatory closure.

They said, "The mandatory closure days of large discount stores recognize that small business owners and workers must coexist before the pursuit of profits by large corporations," adding, "The public agreed to this for the right of workers to work healthily and to balance work and family life, even at the cost of inconvenience."

They continued, "The government seems to be dreaming of a return to stores operating 356 days without rest," and criticized, "Who is the public vote deciding by simply clicking 'like' on the title without explanation for?"

The federation urged the suspension of the vote to abolish the mandatory closure of large discount stores, saying, "Protect the health, life, rights, and holidays of working workers."

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