Gyeongnam Youth Support Foundation "Victim-Centered Measures Must Be Established"... Strong Opposition to Reinstatement Ruling
The Gyeongnam Youth Support Foundation condemned the Gyeongnam Regional Labor Commission's ruling to reinstate the perpetrator at a press conference held on the 8th by the victims' group of workplace harassment.
[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Saeyan] Controversy is escalating as related organizations are opposing the reinstatement of a youth welfare organization official who was dismissed due to workplace harassment and sexual harassment allegations and is now about to return to work.
A, the head of the Youth Counseling Welfare Center at the Gyeongnam Youth Support Foundation, was identified as the perpetrator of workplace sexual harassment and was dismissed by the foundation's personnel committee last September. However, in January, the local labor commission ruled the dismissal unfair and decided on reinstatement. A is scheduled to return to work at the foundation on the 9th.
On the 8th, the foundation held a press conference under the name "Gyeongnam Youth Support Foundation Workplace Sexual Harassment and Harassment Victims' Group," condemning the Gyeongnam Labor Commission's incomprehensible ruling that reinstated Center Director A, who had repeatedly committed workplace sexual harassment and harassment.
At the press conference, the foundation strongly opposed the decision, stating, "The Gyeongnam Local Labor Commission ruled that the disciplinary action against A was excessive and that the dismissal was unfair, but now dreadful days are approaching where victims and perpetrators must work in the same space."
In January, the Gyeongnam Local Labor Commission judged the dismissal unfair, citing reasons such as "the victimized workers being only a part of the entire staff," "the misconduct not being severe and considered a type of general work attitude," "A's contributions to the foundation warranting leniency," and "lack of intent in the sexual harassment."
The foundation responded, "About 30% of the workplace personnel are victims, so how can this be considered only a part? We cannot accept this," adding, "Shouldn't there be more hidden direct and indirect victims?" expressing their incomprehension.
Regarding the ruling that viewed A's actions as a type of work attitude, they questioned, "What level of harm does the Labor Commission consider as serious misconduct? Does it only become serious misconduct when the victim resorts to extreme choices?"
One victim tearfully said, "My wounds have not healed, and hearing about the reinstatement broke my heart. I would rather be on leave due to illness."
The Gyeongnam Youth Support Foundation issued a statement condemning the Gyeongnam Local Labor Commission, demanding that it punish the perpetrator and establish gender-sensitive measures and victim-centered responses for workplace sexual harassment and harassment cases to prevent recurrence.
It is known that the foundation has appealed the reinstatement decision to the Central Labor Commission.
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