[Exclusive] "Discipline Will Not Be Neglected" Controversy Over 'Gapjil' Toward Caddies at Yongin Golf Course

Introduction of 'Caddy Work Pledge'... Formalizing "No Discipline Violations"
Caddies Oppose, Saying "It Forces an Outdated Loyalty Oath"
Golf Course Side States "Pledge Is Merely Formal... Will Communicate Anytime"

Image source=Pixabay
Graphic=Asia Economy

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] "I will follow the instructions of the 경기과 (Gyeonggi Department)." "I will not disrupt discipline."

At a golf course in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, controversy has erupted within the industry as caddies (golf assistants) are being forced to sign an outdated pledge containing archaic content. The pledge acts as a kind of company regulation, and violating it can lead to penalties and responsibilities. Caddies at this golf course and others argue that the pledge is completely out of touch with the times and is filled with content that unilaterally favors management, claiming it amounts to a form of 'gapjil' (abuse of power). In response, the golf course stated that the pledge is a non-binding, formal rule.

Previously, a worker at this golf course died, and with this recent gapjil controversy, criticisms have arisen that the overall management of the golf course is not running smoothly.

Caddie Work Pledge.

According to a report compiled by Asia Economy on the 18th, the ㅅ Golf Course located in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, recently circulated a 'Caddie Work Pledge' to its caddies and required them to sign it. Caddies are special employment workers not officially affiliated with the golf course, and at ㅅ Golf Course, they are required to sign a 'Contract Regarding Use of Golf Course Facilities.' However, this golf course separately created and pushed the caddies to sign a 'Caddie Work Pledge.'

The pledge obtained by this outlet includes statements such as "I will do my best in all tasks," "I will not engage in behavior that causes discomfort to customers," and "I will not disrupt discipline." These phrases are controversial because there is a high possibility that workers and management will interpret them differently. Especially the parts that unilaterally demand obedience to instructions and maintaining discipline are seen as one-sidedly favoring management and problematic because interpretations can vary by individual. Since these are not objective standards typically found in ordinary labor contracts regarding negligence during work, it means that any fault can be found and responsibility imposed.

A caddie working at the golf course said, "I have been a golf course caddie for a long time, but this is the first time I have seen such a pledge," expressing, "I am really bewildered and at a loss." They questioned, "Isn't this the worst kind of gapjil among all gapjil abuses?"

Another caddie from a different golf course shared a similar view. Mr. A, a caddie with 20 years of experience, said, "I was shocked just reading the first line of the pledge," raising his voice, "How can anyone come up with such an idea?" He pointed out, "The pledge states 'I will follow the instructions of 경기과 (Gyeonggi Department),' which is a 1960s expression. It means just obey the company's words." He further criticized, "'I will not disrupt discipline' is also truly absurd. This means 'unconditionally obey the company's personnel' and forces a loyalty oath." He added, "The word 'disrupt' is open to interpretation. If a caddie simply does not please someone, their contract can be terminated for violating the pledge. In short, it means 'Don't even utter a word and just comply.' If this is not gapjil, then what is?"

Another caddie evaluated, "There used to be occasional pledges in the past, but it is surprising that a pledge was openly created going against the times, and moreover, each rule is only favorable to management, which must greatly damage the self-esteem of caddies at this golf course." He also mentioned that the problem lies in being forced to self-censor constantly due to these non-objective rules.

Even within the golf industry, there was a reaction of embarrassment, saying that this 'Caddie Work Pledge' seems likely to cause a gapjil controversy. They noted that it is not a contract format or content commonly seen at golf courses.

The photo is unrelated to specific expressions in the article. [Image source=Yonhap News]

An employee at a golf course said, "In the past, many golf courses had pledges," emphasizing, "Nowadays, only pledges related to deposit (uniform return) regulations are maintained." He added, "Currently, even if pledges exist, they contain only minimal content, and the trend is toward having no pledges at all or their disappearance."

Regarding this controversy, the golf course acknowledged the existence of the pledge but explained that they are communicating smoothly with the caddies. A golf course official stated, "The pledge was created based on the contents of the Golf Course Management Association," emphasizing, "Therefore, the company does not intervene in the content, and it is a non-binding rule." He added, "Nevertheless, if there are any issues with the pledge content, we are open to hearing from the caddies at any time. The accusation of gapjil is unfounded."

A view of ㅅCC located in Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do. Photo by the golf course's official website capture.

Meanwhile, prior to this gapjil controversy, the golf course faced operational issues when a staff member died from suspected overwork, leading to union backlash. According to the 'National Labor Equality Union,' on the 29th of last month, maintenance staff member Mr. Kim was found dead in his dormitory, and the union claims that the main cause was the heavy workload, including daily overtime for two weeks before his death. The union added that the bereaved family, including his wife in her 40s, a 19-year-old son, and a 16-year-old daughter, are facing a livelihood crisis. Regarding this matter, the management stated, "We will comment after the autopsy results regarding overwork death," emphasizing, "If it is determined to be an overwork death, we will provide maximum support to the bereaved family. We are currently treating the family with the utmost respect."