USFK Abruptly Notifies Korean Workers of "Temporary Unpaid Leave" Due to Agreement Gap

Unpaid Leave Effective April 1
Six Rounds of US-ROK Defense Cost Talks Held Without Agreement
US House Armed Services Committee Criticizes "Defense Cost Increase Jeopardizes Korea-US Relations"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] The United States Forces Korea (USFK) abruptly notified on the 29th that it plans to implement a "temporary unpaid leave" for Korean workers starting April 1, citing the gap in the Special Measures Agreement (SMA) on defense cost-sharing between South Korea and the U.S. The U.S.-Korea negotiation teams resumed the defense cost-sharing talks for the first time this year and the sixth time overall on the 14th-15th (local time) in the U.S., but failed to find common ground. It is interpreted that the U.S. side is using this issue to pressure for another increase in defense costs.

In a press release on the same day, USFK stated, "Since the 2019 defense cost-sharing agreement has not been finalized and there is a possibility that the gap will continue, we have begun to notify Korean employees of USFK in advance that temporary unpaid leave may be implemented starting April 1." This is in accordance with U.S. law, which requires a two-month prior notice before unpaid leave is implemented.

As a result, some critics argue that the U.S. side is using Korean workers employed by USFK as hostages in the negotiations. Stephen Williams, the USFK Chief of Staff, sent an official letter last October to the nationwide USFK Korean labor unions stating that if the SMA agreement is not reached, unpaid leave could be implemented starting April 1, following the first notification on January 31 of this year.

The U.S. government's stance demanding a significant increase in defense costs has also drawn criticism within the U.S. political circles. The U.S. House Armed Services Committee previously pointed out that the U.S. demand for a substantial increase in defense costs from South Korea could jeopardize the bilateral relationship. At a hearing on the security situation on the Korean Peninsula held on the 28th (local time), Adam Smith, a Democratic member and chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, expressed concern over the U.S. demand for $5 billion in cost-sharing, stating, "Such an approach could jeopardize the relationship with South Korea." John Rood, U.S. Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, attended the hearing.

Chairman Smith further emphasized the importance of stability in the regional U.S.-Korea relationship. He said, "I believe the U.S. gains a lot through its relationship with South Korea," adding, "The U.S. presence is not only to protect South Korea, so understanding and stability in the region are very important."

In response, Deputy Under Secretary Rood advocated for a high-level increase in defense cost-sharing, aligning with former President Donald Trump's remarks. While acknowledging concerns about maintaining negotiations without overly straining the alliance, he reiterated the existing position that "wealthy countries are being asked to share a significant burden to maintain peace, security, and stability." He also noted that negotiations have been difficult in the past and that South Korea is not an easy counterpart.

Democratic Representative Andy Kim also supported Chairman Smith's remarks. He said, "Our goal is to strengthen the alliance," but added, "I want to make it clear that we must treat our allies and partners in a way that is fair to everyone and respectful."

Additionally, Democratic Representative Ruben Gallego criticized, saying, "I am concerned that the defense cost-sharing negotiations seem to focus on the cost of stationing U.S. forces in South Korea rather than the value of the alliance."

Meanwhile, Democratic Senators Bob Menendez and Jack Reed, ranking members of the Senate Foreign Relations and Armed Services Committees respectively, sent a letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Secretary of Defense Mark Esper, stating that a month has passed since the previous SMA expired, but no solution is in sight, increasing diplomatic and military risks on the Korean Peninsula.

In the letter, the two senators urged reconsideration of the U.S. position, stating, "The current U.S. stance in defense cost-sharing negotiations with South Korea violates key principles and undermines U.S. commitments to South Korea."