If the amendment is enacted, government employees and the government employee union would be prohibited from engaging in issuing public statements, endorsing petitions, participating in protests or assemblies, and advocating for the ideas of specific political parties. MOPAS explained, “Ever since government employees’ union issued public statements opposing government policy in daily newspapers and employees have been wearing vests with political slogans on them during working hours, employees have been in violation of the measure that requires the political neutrality of government employees.” MOPAS added that is adopt the new amendment in response to the union’s decision to join the umbrella of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU).
"Advocating for the ideas of specific political parties"? What the hell is wrong with the Labor Ministry? This is no longer a simple case of fighting over political neutrality, its becoming one of the most over the top legalistic attempts to crush unionization I have ever seen.
Even the relatively moderate Korea Times is stating that this is destructive so its not just the crazy left wing Hankyoreh. All I can say is... wow.
Hey !
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to let you know that I really enjoy your blog. i just discovered it a few days and its really helped me delve into korean politics. I'm moving to oKrea next week and felt really uneasy knowing absolutely nothing about their labour and "left wing" politics. I have an undergraduate degree in political science and labour studies and an MA in social justice. I have spent the last four years volunteering and organizing with the former UNITE HERE and the CAW. Your blog makes me interested in Korean politics and excited to delve in.
Thanks!