Joo Ho-young Meets Istarnojo: "Democratic Party Turning Away, Cannot Be Called Pro-Worker"

Joo Ho-young, floor leader of the People Power Party, is meeting with Park Yi-sam, chairman of the Eastar Jet labor union, who is protesting in front of the National Assembly on the 20th. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyemin] On the 20th, Joo Ho-young, floor leader of the People Power Party, criticized, "I do not understand why the Democratic Party of Korea, which claims to stand on the side of workers, is neglecting the Eastar Jet issue."

On the same day, Joo met with Park Yi-sam, chairman of the Eastar Jet pilots' union, who is on an indefinite hunger strike in front of the National Assembly, and said, "I will urge the Democratic Party to actively step up to resolve the issue."

At the meeting, the union side lamented, "We are only asking to maintain employment even if we return the unpaid wages, but neither the government, the ruling party, nor Representative Lee Sang-jik are making any move," adding, "We have sent multiple requests for meetings to the Democratic Party, but there has been no response at all."

In response, Floor Leader Joo said, "It is truly disappointing that the Democratic Party, which claims to protect workers' rights, is neglecting the situation and has not even met with many people who are being laid off and forced onto the streets," and criticized, "It is very disappointing that they selectively approach issues favorable to themselves, in other words, they exploit when convenient and ignore when inconvenient." He further stated, "Putting aside personal matters, public issues must be resolved first, but the Eastar Jet issue is being left unattended like this, so the Democratic Party cannot be said to be on the side of workers."

He promised, "I will strongly raise the issue with Kim Tae-nyeon, floor leader of the Democratic Party, and urge the government side to resolve it through the remaining National Assembly audit. If necessary, I will ask the Speaker of the National Assembly to create a prompt meeting for resolution or take measures demanding responsible attitudes."

After the meeting, Floor Leader Joo emphasized to reporters, "The responsibility of the Democratic Party is not exempted just because Representative Lee Sang-jik has left the party."

Meanwhile, Kim Seong-won, deputy floor leader, Im I-ja, secretary of the Environment and Labor Committee, and Seong Il-jong, secretary of the Political Affairs Committee, also attended the meeting.