Hard-line umbrella union holds strike

Members of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions chant slogans in their one-day general strike in front of the National Assembly, Yeouido, Seoul, in protest against the government's plan to expand the flexible work hour system, Wednesday.

By Kang Seung-woo

One of the nation's two umbrella labor unions went on a general strike, Wednesday, to protest the government extend the flexible work hour system.

According to the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU), 160,000 workers ― 130,000 of whom were from the hard-line Korean Metal Workers' Union, one of its affiliates ― participated in the nationwide walkouts. The union staged rallies in 14 areas, including Seoul, Busan, Daegu and Ulsan.

The KCTU claims the Moon Jae-in administration's labor policy has been regressing, taking a pro-chaebol stance.

“We can no longer tolerate the Moon government's labor policy that is focused on what it must not do regarding workers,” KCTU head Kim Myeong-hwan said in one rally held in front of the National Assembly in Seoul.

The biggest sticking point between the government and unions is expanding the flexible work hour system.

Under the current system where weekly work hours should be no more than 52, workers are allowed to work for up to 64 hours a week when necessary, later working fewer hours to make up for the overtime work. Currently, such flexibility will be allowed for up to three months.

The government plans to increase this to a six-month maximum in consideration of complaints from businesses.

According to the unions, the extended system could lead to a 7 percent decrease in workers' income because they cannot receive extra money for overtime.

It says a worker on 10,000 won ($8.9) an hour could lose 780,000 won in six months.

“The government and the National Assembly are trying to undermine the maximum 52 work hour system. If the flexible operation period is extended, employees will face a heavier workload,” Kim said.

However, the Ministry of Employment and Labor refutes the argument, urging the KCTU to join a multilateral committee seeking dialogue that involves representatives from unions, management and the government, as well as other experts.

The general strike drew only displeasure from political circles.

“Instead of dialogue, the KCTU opted for a strike. However, it remains to be seen if such a massive walkout could help address issues that the labor sector currently faces,” said Rep. Hong Young-pyo, the floor leader of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea.

“We hope that the KCTU will change its stance as it is an important member of society.”

He added that the expansion of the flexible work hour system was not aimed at urging unions to unilaterally concede to the government plan.

The minor conservative Bareunmirae Party also criticized the KCTU's strike, asking the union to return to the multilateral committee.

“The general strike is an act failing to meet the expectation of the people,” the party said in a media statement.