Observers are anticipating a deep chill in industrial relations as the government pushes forward with its labor reform plans
Last Friday marked the end of a 16-day strike by the Cargo Truckers’ Solidarity Division (TruckSol) to demand the expansion of the safe fares minimum pay system. It was a period that showed just what an overwhelming advantage the government holds over labor. Throughout that strike, the South Korean government’s response was not to attempt to mediate the conflict through dialogue and compromise, but to brandish the weapons of administrative orders and judicial action. At the start of next year, the government plans to begin a full-scale push of “labor reforms” that include greater working hour flexibility and performance-centered wage systems. Experts are predicting a hard winter for labor-government relations, as the use of orders and pro forma application of the law shut down the possibility of negotiation. On Monday, the Future Labor Market Research Association was scheduled to issue a recommendation commissioned by the Ministry of Employment and Labor (MOEL), in which it advises the implementation of greater working hour flexibility and a wage system centering on performance and duties. This is expected to mark the start of the administration’s “labor reform” drive. Over the past four months, the research association has held focused discussions on changes to the working hour and wage systems. It plans to make recommendations to the MOEL on...
The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has moved to reassure parents and learners that public schools will remain open at the end of April, dismissing widespread social media claims of a shutdown ...