Democratic Party Discusses Policy Issues with Korean Federation of Trade Unions... Korean Federation of Trade Unions Demands "Withdraw the Teachers' Union Act"

by Jeon Jinyoung

Published 10 Nov.2020 16:20(KST)

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jin-young] On the 10th, the Democratic Party of Korea held a high-level policy consultation meeting with the Federation of Korean Trade Unions (FKTU) to discuss policy tasks in the labor sector. The FKTU urged the withdrawal of the Teachers' Organization Act, stating that "it denies the three labor laws enshrined in the Constitution and shakes the foundation of labor unions."

Lee Nak-yeon, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is delivering a greeting at the Korea Federation of Trade Unions and Democratic Party of Korea high-level policy consultation meeting and the launch ceremony of the Labor Respect Practice National Assembly Members Group held at the National Assembly on the 10th. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

Kim Dong-myeong, Chairman of the FKTU, said at the consultation meeting held at the National Assembly in the afternoon, "The biggest problem with the amendment to the Act on the Establishment and Operation of Teachers' Organizations (Teachers' Organization Act) is that it grants union rights to teachers' organizations rather than labor unions," and demanded its withdrawal, adding, "Even teachers' unions have submitted opinions that the enactment of the law could cause confusion on the ground and undermine labor-management relations."

The Teachers' Organization Act mainly allows multiple teachers' organizations that meet certain requirements and recognizes the right to negotiate with the Ministry of Education and metropolitan and provincial offices of education. There is opposition that if negotiation rights are granted to teachers' organizations, which include principals, vice principals, and supervisors on the employer side, existing teachers' union activities may be weakened.

Chairman Kim also stated, "If the Moon Jae-in administration infringes on labor value solidarity, I clearly say that we will change our position from comrades in policy solidarity to the forefront of resistance."

The Democratic Party and the FKTU also held the launch ceremony of the 'Labor Respect Practice National Assembly Members' Group,' led by Representative Yoon Hu-deok, and made a joint resolution to overcome the COVID-19 employment crisis.

Lee Nak-yeon, leader of the Democratic Party, said, "The main agenda is to unite efforts to overcome the employment crisis caused by the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). Establishing protection measures for essential workers and platform workers is an urgent issue. I believe that not only the government and political circles but also the labor community will show great interest and cooperation."

The joint resolution on the day included ▲ strengthening labor supervision and support to prevent indiscriminate dismissals ▲ support for the March 8 labor-management-government declaration and the July 28 labor-management-government agreement and prompt amendment of related laws ▲ participation of the FKTU in government-related promotion systems for nationwide employment insurance application, expansion of public medical infrastructure, and introduction of sickness benefits.