Fire Safety Union Urges Eradication of Power Abuse Culture in Fire Organizations, Concludes Nationwide Solo Relay Protests Including Gwanghwamun

Daejeon Fire Department Colleagues' Distressing Feelings Over Firefighter Abuse, Expressing Deep Condolences to the Deceased and Bereaved Families, Statement Released; September 13-17 Solo Relay Protests Conclude at Gwanghwamun and Regional Headquarters

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] The National Fire Safety Officials Labor Union under the Korean Federation of Public Officials' Unions (hereinafter Fire Safety Union, Chairman Hong Suntak) expressed profound sorrow over the recent abuse of power incident involving a fellow firefighter at the Daejeon Fire Headquarters. They extended their deepest condolences to the deceased and their bereaved family, and after issuing a statement, concluded a five-day solo relay protest at Gwanghwamun and regional headquarters that began on September 13th, on September 17th.

Hwang Seonwoo, Chairman of the Gyeonggi Headquarters who participated in the solo relay protest at Gwanghwamun, stated, “Abuse of power within the organization has existed even before this issue was brought to light, but since there is no dedicated abuse reporting center, such incidents continue to occur. We must operate mandatory education on preventing repeated abuse and work together with the labor union and the Fire Agency to improve the vertical organizational culture.”

The Fire Safety Union pledged to take the lead in breaking the vicious cycle where employees who suffer abuse continue to work under such painful conditions, and where perpetrators maintain their positions despite disciplinary actions. They demanded the establishment of drastic measures such as transferring corrupt executives involved in abuse to other offices, and called for the eradication of the authoritarian and abusive culture pervasive in the fire service organization, concluding the solo relay protest.