Labor Minister Urges KCTU to Cease Political Strike
The Minister of Employment and Labor, Lee Jung-sik, has called for an immediate end to the nationwide strike organized by the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU). Describing the industrial action as politically motivated, Minister Lee held an emergency meeting on Friday morning to address the situation. He highlighted that some of the union’s demands do not align with the legal requirement that they should specifically relate to working conditions.
According to Minister Lee, the Labor Union Act permits workers to engage in struggles that aim to maintain and improve working conditions. However, he emphasized that the KCTU’s general strike encompasses issues unrelated to the improvement of working conditions. These include demands such as the resignation of the Yoon Suk Yeol regime, suspension of union oppression, and prevention of Fukushima water discharge. Minister Lee argued that the strike has clearly demonstrated its political nature.
Within his statement, Minister Lee specifically mentioned Hyundai Motor’s labor union, highlighting that they have engaged in an illegal strike by disregarding the proper processes. He stated that the union had failed to seek permission from the National Labor Relations Commission to exercise their right to strike, rendering the strike illegitimate under current law.
Upcoming strikes are expected from the metal workers’ union and construction workers’ union on Wednesday, followed by strikes from the medical workers’ union and the teachers’ union on Thursday. Minister Lee urged municipal governments to prevent workers from participating in strikes for political purposes, while also making it clear that the government will not tolerate any illegal activities committed by the unions.
It is essential to present a balanced view of this topic, considering different perspectives and opinions. While Minister Lee categorizes the strike as politically motivated, it is important to acknowledge the unions’ concerns and reasons behind their actions. By doing so, we can provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of the situation.
In conclusion, Minister Lee has urged the KCTU to immediately halt their strike, criticizing it as a politically motivated act. He emphasized that the demands made by the unions extend beyond the improvement of working conditions, undermining the legitimacy of the strike. The government is prepared to hold the unions accountable for any illegal activities and has called upon municipal governments to prevent workers from engaging in strikes for political purposes. The upcoming strikes from various unions raise concerns about the continued disruption in various sectors. It remains crucial to foster dialogue and seek a resolution that addresses both the unions’ concerns and the requirements of the law.
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