Jang Donghyuk Meets with SMEs: "Will Pass the 'Fair Labor-Management Act' to Supplement the Yellow Envelope Act"

Korea Federation of Small and Medium Business Hosts Meeting with People Power Party
Jang Donghyuk: "I Will Remove the Obstacles Facing Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises"

Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, emphasized on October 22 the need for supplementary legislation to the so-called Yellow Envelope Act, including the Fair Labor-Management Act, which centers on a complete ban on union occupation of workplaces. He also promised to address on-site difficulties such as responses to trade issues and ensuring fair compensation.

Attending a meeting with small business owners held at the Korea Federation of Small and Medium Business in Yeouido on the same day, Jang stated, "As soon as the Lee Jaemyung administration took office, it unilaterally pushed through the Yellow Envelope Act and the Commercial Act amendment, both of which tighten regulations on businesses." He added, "In particular, the Yellow Envelope Act is the worst of the worst laws, as it turns illegality into legality and responsibility into privilege."

Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, and Kim Kimoon, chairman of the Korea Federation of Small and Medium Business, are taking a commemorative photo ahead of a meeting held at the Korea Federation of Small and Medium Business in Yeouido on the 22nd. Photo by Yonhap News

Jang warned that if the Yellow Envelope Act is implemented, "companies will have to fight for survival against illegal strikes, rather than striving for a better future." He pledged, "I will take the lead in removing the obstacles faced by small and medium-sized enterprises and in establishing solid ladders for employment and growth."

He also mentioned the Fair Labor-Management Act, which was proposed to supplement the Yellow Envelope Act, stating, "We will ensure its passage in this regular session of the National Assembly to establish sound and fair labor-management relations." The Fair Labor-Management Act includes a complete ban on union occupation of workplace facilities and allows for replacement workers during union strikes.

Kim Kimoon, chairman of the Korea Federation of Small and Medium Business, remarked at the event, "Last year, more than one million small and medium-sized enterprises and small business owners closed their doors, yet nothing has been resolved." He urged, "We ask that both the ruling and opposition parties work together to properly handle livelihood-related bills."

Park Sunghoon, chief spokesperson of the People Power Party, told reporters after the meeting, "There was a strong expression of dissatisfaction over how disconnected the various policies promoted by the Lee Jaemyung administration are from reality." He added, "Particularly, there was an outpouring of complaints about the Yellow Envelope Act, the Commercial Act amendment, and other regulations that tighten the grip on businesses, as well as the lack of government measures regarding the Korea-U.S. tariff negotiations."

Additionally, the Korea Federation of Small and Medium Business reportedly requested that the People Power Party allow for more flexible operation of the 52-hour workweek, introduce the right for SME cooperatives to request consultations, grant autonomy regarding retirement age extension, and guarantee employers' rights of defense in response to the implementation of the Yellow Envelope Act.

In addition to Jang Donghyuk, the meeting was attended by Kim Doeup, chairman of the Policy Committee; Lim Ija, chairman of the Strategy and Finance Committee; Park Sunghoon, chief spokesperson; as well as lawmakers Lee Cheolgyu, Park Sungmin, and Park Juntae.

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