Eastar Air Union: "Ruling Party's Expulsion of Lee Sang-jik? Just a Move to Win Chuseok Public Sentiment"

Eastar Air Union "What is needed immediately is the withdrawal of layoffs"
"Lee Sang-jik should use personal funds to enable workers to receive employment retention subsidies"
"The key is whether the government will make efforts to resolve the issue"

Lee Sang-jik, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea (right), is attending the full meeting of the National Assembly's Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee on the 25th of last month. / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Juhyung] The Democratic Party of Korea plans to decide on disciplinary action against Representative Lee Sang-jik, the founder and actual owner of Eastar Jet, amid the controversy over unpaid wages and large-scale layoffs of Eastar Jet employees. Meanwhile, the Eastar Jet labor union urged the government for support, arguing that "expelling Representative Lee will not resolve the issue."

Park Isam, Chairman of the Eastar Jet Pilots' Union, appeared on MBC's "Kim Jong-bae's Focus" on the 22nd and stated, "It seems that Representative Lee will eventually be expelled," adding, "This is likely a move by the Democratic Party to win public favor before Chuseok."

He continued, "Expelling him will not bring any solution. Representative Lee will continue to hold his seat in the National Assembly," and pointed out, "Furthermore, the 1,500 employees of Eastar Port, an affiliate of Eastar Jet who have lost their jobs and been pushed onto the streets, will once again be abandoned by the company and then by the government."

He added, "If he is expelled, Representative Lee will act as he pleases," emphasizing, "Ultimately, the key is how the government tries to resolve this issue."

Chairman Park called for active government support, stating, "I believe the resolution of the Eastar Jet crisis should be included in policies encompassing the entire aviation industry."

He further explained, "What is urgently needed is the 'withdrawal of layoffs,' and if Representative Lee has hidden assets, it is imperative that he donates them personally to create conditions for workers to receive employment retention subsidies."

On the morning of the 22nd, participants hold placards at the "Joint Labor, Civic, and Social Press Conference Urging Resolution of the Eastar Jet Mass Layoff Crisis" held in front of the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul. / Photo by Yonhap News

Earlier, on the 16th, the Democratic Party referred Representative Lee Sang-jik to the Ethics Inspection Team. The Ethics Inspection Team is an organization that handles corruption issues among elected officials within the party, and Representative Lee became the first subject of investigation since the team's establishment. He is suspected of evading responsibility for unpaid wages and the layoff of about 600 Eastar Jet employees.

However, on the 18th, after attending a comprehensive policy inquiry at the National Assembly's Budget and Accounts Committee, Representative Lee met with reporters and described the mass layoffs at Eastar Jet as "very regrettable," but said, "Since I have relinquished my shares, there is nothing more for me to do. It is the responsibility of the management."

He added, "I am not trying to evade responsibility by saying I was not deeply involved; as the founder, I am very sorry," and continued, "The most desirable outcome is to quickly find someone to manage the company, ensure a smooth landing, and rehire employees."

Regarding the Eastar Jet labor union's demand that unpaid wages and layoffs be resolved through personal asset donations, he emphasized, "I have relinquished all my shares," and said, "The managers and the main stakeholders will handle everything."

Meanwhile, the Democratic Party is expected to decide on disciplinary action against Representative Lee by at least before Chuseok. On the 21st, Shin Dong-geun, a senior member of the Democratic Party, said in a radio interview, "The issue with Representative Lee must be resolved at least before Chuseok," adding, "Judging from his interviews and various situations, it seems no special measures are being taken."

He continued, "Because he did not even pay 500 million won in employees' employment insurance premiums, they are unable to receive employment retention subsidies," emphasizing, "Even if he may have no legal responsibility, as the actual founder, he must fulfill his responsibilities and roles."