www.bsnlnewsbyashokhindocha.blogspot.com M-9426201999
Labor Law Revision
Solution Lies in Strict Compliance With Global Standards
The implementation of two rules to advance the nation's outdated labor-management relationship is in danger of being delayed once again.
It is disheartening enough to see that all the parties involved ― the government, employers and employees ― are only pursuing their own interests in neglect of what is good for the whole society in a longer and broader perspective.
Even more deplorably, each of the three major parties are split into two groups depending on their positions on the two points ― whether the nation should allow multiple unions at one company, and whether to disallow employers paying wages to full-time union officials. So the arguments of the Labor Ministry and the governing Grand National Party are different; the two umbrella unions are also voicing conflicting opinions; and even the positions of conglomerates such as Samsung and Hyundai cannot be the same.
Democracy is, of course, about how to harmonize widely different views through compromise. But that should not necessarily mean that a society is allowed to always seek practical benefits at the expense of principles.
Currently, the Korea Employers Federation and the Federation of Korean Trade Unions (FKTU), the more moderate of the nation's two umbrella unions, are moving toward accepting the governing party's compromise, which calls for shelving the multiple-union plan for another three to five years, while introducing the ban on wage payment to full-time unionists by employers on a gradual basis, starting with firms with 10,000 workers or more.
This means, however, Korea will continue to renege on a promise it made to the International Labor Organization to join the OECD 13 years ago ― the abolition of the legal provision that stipulates the presence of only one union at a company as well as one that prohibits employers' wage payment to employees engaged only in union activities.
Most lamentable in this regard is the about-face of FKTU to agree to the delayed introduction of a multiple-union system, abandoning the freedom of association for the more realistic benefits of saving money. The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) is staying closer to the principle by sticking to a multi-union system, but the more militant umbrella union should also no longer demand ― or even expect ― the management to pay wages of those working exclusively for unions, if for no other purpose than conducting more independent activities, as is the cases in most industrial countries.
Also, the Labor Ministry is right to adhere to allowing one or more unions at a firm but wrong to call for banning wage payment by law, a regulation few other governments are adopting.
Among businesses, too, the Samsung Group, which is famous ― or infamous ― for its ``no-union" tradition, is against the multiple union idea but cares little about wage payment. But the Hyundai Group, suffering from annualized labor strife, welcomes the ban on company-financed wage payment to union officials.
So the answer to this seemingly very complicated issue is quite simple: Do like others do, or comply with ``global standards" ― one of the pet phrases of President Lee Myung-bak ― in labor sector as well. Unfortunately, President Lee is far from ready to do so, as seen by his latest initiative in cracking down on legal labor activities. By all appearances, Korea will hardly be able to shed its shameful label as labor laggards unless various sectors learn to put principles ahead of expediency.
www.bsnlnewsbyashokhindocha.blogspot.com M-9426201999
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Home > Newszone > Opinion > Editorial > Thursday, December 3, 2009 | 7:46 p.m. ET
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12-02-2009 18:39
Labor Law Revision
Solution Lies in Strict Compliance With Global Standards
The implementation of two rules to advance the nation's outdated labor-management relationship is in danger of being delayed once again.
It is disheartening enough to see that all the parties involved ― the government, employers and employees ― are only pursuing their own interests in neglect of what is good for the whole society in a longer and broader perspective.
Even more deplorably, each of the three major parties are split into two groups depending on their positions on the two points ― whether the nation should allow multiple unions at one company, and whether to disallow employers paying wages to full-time union officials. So the arguments of the Labor Ministry and the governing Grand National Party are different; the two umbrella unions are also voicing conflicting opinions; and even the positions of conglomerates such as Samsung and Hyundai cannot be the same.
Democracy is, of course, about how to harmonize widely different views through compromise. But that should not necessarily mean that a society is allowed to always seek practical benefits at the expense of principles.
Currently, the Korea Employers Federation and the Federation of Korean Trade Unions (FKTU), the more moderate of the nation's two umbrella unions, are moving toward accepting the governing party's compromise, which calls for shelving the multiple-union plan for another three to five years, while introducing the ban on wage payment to full-time unionists by employers on a gradual basis, starting with firms with 10,000 workers or more.
This means, however, Korea will continue to renege on a promise it made to the International Labor Organization to join the OECD 13 years ago ― the abolition of the legal provision that stipulates the presence of only one union at a company as well as one that prohibits employers' wage payment to employees engaged only in union activities.
Most lamentable in this regard is the about-face of FKTU to agree to the delayed introduction of a multiple-union system, abandoning the freedom of association for the more realistic benefits of saving money. The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) is staying closer to the principle by sticking to a multi-union system, but the more militant umbrella union should also no longer demand ― or even expect ― the management to pay wages of those working exclusively for unions, if for no other purpose than conducting more independent activities, as is the cases in most industrial countries.
Also, the Labor Ministry is right to adhere to allowing one or more unions at a firm but wrong to call for banning wage payment by law, a regulation few other governments are adopting.
Among businesses, too, the Samsung Group, which is famous ― or infamous ― for its ``no-union" tradition, is against the multiple union idea but cares little about wage payment. But the Hyundai Group, suffering from annualized labor strife, welcomes the ban on company-financed wage payment to union officials.
So the answer to this seemingly very complicated issue is quite simple: Do like others do, or comply with ``global standards" ― one of the pet phrases of President Lee Myung-bak ― in labor sector as well. Unfortunately, President Lee is far from ready to do so, as seen by his latest initiative in cracking down on legal labor activities. By all appearances, Korea will hardly be able to shed its shameful label as labor laggards unless various sectors learn to put principles ahead of expediency.
Reader’s Comments ▶ Other View
Notice From KT Website Manager
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• Ayumi Debuts in Japan (한글번역)
• Hilton Praises 'Ninja Assassin' (한글번역)
• [Exclusive] Actor Choi Min-su's Family Overcomes Flu (한글번역)
• Selection of Highschooler for Glamour Model Causes Stir (한글번역)
• Park Returns as Singer (한글번역)
• Child Sex Offender (한글번역)
• Hulk Hogan Engaged (한글번역)
• Woods Admits 'Transgression'(한글번역)
• [Exclusive] Military Slammed for Neglecting Soldiers' Welfare (한글번역)
• Jang Jin-young Cited (한글번역)
More Troops to Afghanistan
Afghan Strategy
A North Korean soldier, left in the background, who was ...
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Home > Newszone > Opinion > Editorial > Thursday, December 3, 2009 | 7:46 p.m. ET
Nation
Biz/Finance
Technology
Arts & Living
Sports
Opinion
Editorial
Thoughts of the Times
Today`s Column
Desk Column
Letter to the Editor
The Dawn of Modern Korea
Another Korea
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Sean Hayes
Michael Breen
Views From Overseas
Jon Huer
Tom Plate
Living Science
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12-02-2009 18:39
Labor Law Revision
Solution Lies in Strict Compliance With Global Standards
The implementation of two rules to advance the nation's outdated labor-management relationship is in danger of being delayed once again.
It is disheartening enough to see that all the parties involved ― the government, employers and employees ― are only pursuing their own interests in neglect of what is good for the whole society in a longer and broader perspective.
Even more deplorably, each of the three major parties are split into two groups depending on their positions on the two points ― whether the nation should allow multiple unions at one company, and whether to disallow employers paying wages to full-time union officials. So the arguments of the Labor Ministry and the governing Grand National Party are different; the two umbrella unions are also voicing conflicting opinions; and even the positions of conglomerates such as Samsung and Hyundai cannot be the same.
Democracy is, of course, about how to harmonize widely different views through compromise. But that should not necessarily mean that a society is allowed to always seek practical benefits at the expense of principles.
Currently, the Korea Employers Federation and the Federation of Korean Trade Unions (FKTU), the more moderate of the nation's two umbrella unions, are moving toward accepting the governing party's compromise, which calls for shelving the multiple-union plan for another three to five years, while introducing the ban on wage payment to full-time unionists by employers on a gradual basis, starting with firms with 10,000 workers or more.
This means, however, Korea will continue to renege on a promise it made to the International Labor Organization to join the OECD 13 years ago ― the abolition of the legal provision that stipulates the presence of only one union at a company as well as one that prohibits employers' wage payment to employees engaged only in union activities.
Most lamentable in this regard is the about-face of FKTU to agree to the delayed introduction of a multiple-union system, abandoning the freedom of association for the more realistic benefits of saving money. The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) is staying closer to the principle by sticking to a multi-union system, but the more militant umbrella union should also no longer demand ― or even expect ― the management to pay wages of those working exclusively for unions, if for no other purpose than conducting more independent activities, as is the cases in most industrial countries.
Also, the Labor Ministry is right to adhere to allowing one or more unions at a firm but wrong to call for banning wage payment by law, a regulation few other governments are adopting.
Among businesses, too, the Samsung Group, which is famous ― or infamous ― for its ``no-union" tradition, is against the multiple union idea but cares little about wage payment. But the Hyundai Group, suffering from annualized labor strife, welcomes the ban on company-financed wage payment to union officials.
So the answer to this seemingly very complicated issue is quite simple: Do like others do, or comply with ``global standards" ― one of the pet phrases of President Lee Myung-bak ― in labor sector as well. Unfortunately, President Lee is far from ready to do so, as seen by his latest initiative in cracking down on legal labor activities. By all appearances, Korea will hardly be able to shed its shameful label as labor laggards unless various sectors learn to put principles ahead of expediency.
Reader’s Comments ▶ Other View
Notice From KT Website Manager
Bad language will not be tolerated. All comments considered discriminatory against race or sex, or which are considered offensive against certain people, will be eliminated by the manager. Violators will be deprived of their membership.
Please stay on topic.
▶ Managerial regulations
You must log in to use this service.
◀ Back ▲Top
• Ayumi Debuts in Japan (한글번역)
• Hilton Praises 'Ninja Assassin' (한글번역)
• [Exclusive] Actor Choi Min-su's Family Overcomes Flu (한글번역)
• Selection of Highschooler for Glamour Model Causes Stir (한글번역)
• Park Returns as Singer (한글번역)
• Child Sex Offender (한글번역)
• Hulk Hogan Engaged (한글번역)
• Woods Admits 'Transgression'(한글번역)
• [Exclusive] Military Slammed for Neglecting Soldiers' Welfare (한글번역)
• Jang Jin-young Cited (한글번역)
More Troops to Afghanistan
Afghan Strategy
A North Korean soldier, left in the background, who was ...
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