KCCI on Minnochoong General Strike: "Illegal and Inopportune Timing"

[Asia Economy Reporter Kiho Sung] The Korea Employers Federation (KEF) expressed its earnest request for cooperation to refrain from the illegal and untimely general strike and rallies organized by the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) on the 25th.

In a statement released that day, KEF said, "This collective action by the KCTU is a political strike aimed at excessively enforcing legislative demands against the government and the National Assembly, rather than being intended to maintain or improve working conditions in the industrial field."

KEF pointed out, "As early as 2000, the Supreme Court ruled that industrial actions aimed at political matters beyond the employer's decision or control lack legitimacy," adding, "Demands for legal amendments should be pursued through lawful legislative activities and should not be enforced through collective actions that violate the law."

Furthermore, KEF emphasized, "In the midst of the worst national economic and employment crisis caused by the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), where restoring industrial competitiveness and maintaining employment are urgent, the KCTU's consistent confrontational and combative attitude will only bring harm to the nation," and stressed, "Moreover, with COVID-19 intensifying and the government strengthening quarantine guidelines, public concern is very high."