[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Jun-kyung] Two days after Yuseong-su, chairman of the Education Committee of the Jeonnam Provincial Council, hinted at a tough response to the Jeonnam branch of the School Irregular Workers' Union (hereinafter referred to as the Hakbi Union), he reversed his position.
On the 7th, Chairman Yuseong-su stated that regarding the Hakbi Union's collective action in protest against wage cuts, he would organize the Education Committee's stance after the Budget and Accounts Committee's decision.
Originally, Chairman Yoo said, "The Hakbi Union is trying to disgrace the council members, and their radical actions have worsened the situation," and announced that he would issue a statement on the 7th and respond strongly, but he changed his attitude two days later.
When asked by reporters, "Is there a reason for suddenly changing your stance?" Chairman Yoo explained, "Since it is an internal matter, it is difficult to disclose detailed reasons, but there are parts that need to be confirmed, so I will organize the Education Committee's position later."
Separately, Councilor Lee Kwang-il stated in a press release that day, "Due to the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic, students' academic achievement is declining and the academic gap is widening," and repeatedly insisted, "Budget should be invested to improve academic achievement rather than to increase kitchen staff."
The Jeonnam branch of the Hakbi Union has been steadily demanding appropriate staffing for over 10 years, and a labor-management agreement was reached with the Jeonnam Office of Education in September last year. However, as the Jeonnam Provincial Council's Education Committee cut the budget, they are conducting a sit-in protest at the Jeonnam Provincial Council and the Jeonnam Office of Education.
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