Meanwhile, the Opposition Forces Ahead with the Yellow Envelope Act... "Adding Fuel to the Corporate Burden"

Opposition Forces Submission of Environment and Labor Committee Bill Review Subcommittee Despite Concerns from Business Community "During Cargo Solidarity Strike"

On the morning of the 30th, at the Employment and Labor Law Review Subcommittee of the Environment and Labor Committee held at the National Assembly in Seoul, Chairman Kim Young-jin is presenting the Yellow Envelope Act (Amendment to the Labor Union and Labor Relations Adjustment Act) amid the walkout of lawmakers from the People Power Party due to differences in opinion between the ruling and opposition parties.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy reporters Kiho Sung and Chaeun Koo] Amid the nationwide general strike by the Cargo Solidarity Headquarters of the Public Transport Workers' Union under the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, which is causing widespread social and economic repercussions, the opposition party is intensifying efforts to push forward the legislative process for the "Amendment to the Labor Union and Labor Relations Adjustment Act" (commonly known as the Yellow Envelope Act). The business community has expressed strong concerns that if the Yellow Envelope Act, which legalizes various strikes amid the unresolved Cargo Solidarity strike, is passed, it would be like "pouring fuel on the fire" for militant labor actions.

On the 30th, the National Assembly's Environment and Labor Committee held a subcommittee meeting on employment and labor bills and prioritized the Yellow Envelope Act for discussion. Although People Power Party lawmakers Im Ija and Park Daesu expressed opposition to the bill's submission, Democratic Party lawmakers Kim Youngjin, Yoon Gunhyung, Lee Sujin (proportional representation), Jeon Yonggi, and Justice Party lawmaker Lee Eunju supported it, resulting in the bill being submitted by majority vote.

During the session, Im Ija of the People Power Party, who opposed the bill's submission, stated in a procedural speech, "I cannot participate in protecting illegality by law," leading to heated exchanges in the meeting room. Im said, "The opposition party, holding a majority of seats, is effectively trying to pass a law for the benefit of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions," adding, "I absolutely cannot agree." Im Ija and Park Daesu of the People Power Party, who opposed the bill's submission along with the Democratic and Justice parties, left the meeting in protest.

The amendment to the Labor Union Act, known as the Yellow Envelope Act, mainly involves revisions to Article 2 concerning workers and labor disputes and Article 3 related to claims for damages. It includes provisions to limit the scope of damage claims for strike actions and introduces clauses recognizing the employer's influence over special employment workers and subcontracted workers.

The business community has consistently voiced opposition to the Yellow Envelope Act. Especially with the Cargo Solidarity and Seoul Metro currently on strike, and the Hyundai Heavy Industries Group's three companies also announcing strikes starting today, accelerating the bill's passage is seen as incomprehensible.

Kim Youngchun, head of employment policy at the Federation of Korean Industries, criticized, "Forcibly submitting the bill amid the Cargo Solidarity strike will burden the national economy," adding, "The Yellow Envelope Act, which encourages and legalizes illegal strikes, is an act that pours cold water on overcoming the economic crisis."

Experts also point out that the Yellow Envelope Act has a high risk of being unconstitutional as it infringes on property rights, equality rights, and restricts freedom of occupation. Professor Cha Jinah of Korea University Law School stated, "Legalizing illegality should be judged unconstitutional," explaining, "The foundation of the rule of law is to prevent illegality and violence, and justifying violence itself can undermine the very basis of the rule of law." Professor Cha also noted, "Recognizing acts accompanied by violence and destruction could further encourage militant and uncompromising union activities in South Korea’s adversarial labor relations environment and lead to the spread of illegality and violence across various sectors of society."

Since the Yellow Envelope Act is highly controversial, there are strong calls for thorough discussion. In fact, intense debates took place during the National Assembly public hearing held on the 17th. It is argued that if the opposition party forcibly pushes the law, which requires prior social consensus, it will only exacerbate conflicts among stakeholders.

Hwang Yongyeon, head of labor policy at the Korea Employers Federation, pointed out, "The amendment to the Labor Union Act could shake the foundation of labor law and disrupt labor-management relations order," adding, "Considering the many opposing opinions expressed at the recent National Assembly public hearing, sufficient discussion is necessary."

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