Meeting between Yonsei University and Union... Will It Unlock Solutions for Improving Cleaning Workers' Conditions?

On the 28th of last month, Korea University cleaning workers and the service company agreed to a 400 won hourly wage increase
Seoul Western District Court rejects application to ban union rallies and protests at Severance Hospital

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Yonsei University authorities and cleaning workers will meet to resolve issues regarding the improvement of cleaning workers' treatment.

On the afternoon of the 2nd, Yonsei University authorities and the Yonsei University branch of the Korean Public Service and Transport Workers' Union (KPTU) plan to hold a meeting at Baekyangnuri IBK Hall within Yonsei University to discuss the improvement of the treatment of school cleaning workers. This meeting was originally scheduled for the 26th of last month but was postponed due to circumstances on the Yonsei University side.

The situation both inside and outside is unfavorable to the university. On the 26th of last month, the Seoul Western District Court dismissed Yonsei University's provisional injunction request to ban union rallies and demonstrations within Severance Hospital. The court explained the dismissal by stating, "Severance Hospital is a place where the union works and where union activities are inevitable," and that "Yonsei University's provisional injunction excessively restricts labor rights and freedom of expression."

The lawsuit for damages filed by three enrolled students, which triggered the issue of improving the treatment of Yonsei University cleaning workers, is facing severe criticism. In May, they filed a complaint against Kim Hyun-ok, head of the Seoul branch of the KPTU Yonsei University division, on charges of obstruction of business, and in June, they claimed approximately 6.4 million won in damages citing infringement of the right to attend classes. In response, ten Yonsei University graduate legal professionals, including lawyer Kim Nam-ju from Dodam Law Firm, decided to represent the cleaning workers in the lawsuit. Students on campus have also actively joined statements supporting the cleaning workers.

Meanwhile, the treatment of school cleaning workers is showing signs of improvement. On the 28th of last month, cleaning workers at Korea University reached a tentative agreement with the service contractor and ended their sit-in protest. It is reported that they agreed on a 400 won hourly wage increase and improvements to shower and rest facilities at the contractor level. The parking company within Korea University also reached an agreement with the contractor on the same terms. Yonsei University cleaning workers have also demanded a 400 won hourly wage increase.

Going forward, school cleaning workers plan to collectively demand improved treatment from the primary contractor, the university authorities. Since November last year, cleaning, security, and parking workers at 13 university workplaces, including Sookmyung Women's University, KAIST, and Induk University, have been fighting for better treatment, but only four workplaces have reached agreements. The KPTU stated, "Schools that are not currently negotiating also intend to join the struggle," and added, "On the 10th, there will be a rally in front of the presidential office urging the government to resolve issues related to indirectly employed irregular workers."

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