Ryu Ho-jeong on Secretary's Unfair Dismissal Controversy: "Dismissed Due to 'Work-Related Personality Differences'... Procedural Mistake"

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Ju-yeon] Justice Party lawmaker Ryu Ho-jeong clarified on the 29th that there was a "procedural mistake" in the process of notifying the dismissal of her former secretary, in response to claims that labor laws were violated during the dismissal process.

On the same day, Lawmaker Ryu released a statement saying, "The Grade 7 secretary who was in charge of assisting me was dismissed in mid-December last year," adding, "The reason for dismissal was 'differences in work disposition.'"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Lawmaker Ryu stated, "Due to the nature of the secretary's duties, working hours were not strictly fixed; however, we tried to guarantee maximum break time, such as working four days a week during weeks without a schedule," and added, "There was a procedural mistake in the process of notifying the dismissal."

She continued, "There was a process of reaching an agreement afterward and misunderstandings were resolved, but it was difficult to continue working together," and expressed, "I am sorry that we could not stay together until the end."

On the same day, Justice Party member Shin posted on Facebook demanding "Lawmaker Ryu's resignation," claiming, "In the process of dismissing the secretary, the usual notice period for dismissal was not observed, and the dismissal was notified seven days in advance, violating labor laws."

Shin also stated, "Additionally, labor laws regarding break times were violated, and when party members of the regional committee to which the secretary belonged raised objections to the stated reasons, the dismissal notice was withdrawn and the secretary was ordered to work from home," calling it "a de facto ostracism."

Shin further explained, "The secretary accepted the position with the determination to leave a stable job and live as a party activist, responding to Lawmaker Ryu's request to work together during the hiring process."

Lawmaker Ryu responded, "The post was made without the former secretary's consent," adding, "The statement was prepared in consultation with the former secretary, who no longer wishes to make detailed comments."