Integrated Union Gangnam-gu Branch Does Not Participate in Lunch Hour Complaint Suspension Today

Im Seong-cheol, Head of the Integrated Union Seoul Headquarters (Gangnam-gu Office), Calls for Long-term Review Considering Characteristics of Lunch Hour Civil Complaints and Unique Structure of District Office, Advocates Continuing Lunch Hour Civil Complaint Handling as Before

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] The Gangnam-gu branch of the Integrated Labor Union reportedly did not participate in the lunch break priority stop event organized by Jeongongno on the 20th.

Im Seongcheol, head of the Seoul headquarters of the Integrated Labor Union (Gangnam-gu Office), stated on the day, "We are not opposed to employees having break time," but added, "We did not agree with the method."

Im explained, "My unchanged belief before and after establishing a labor union at Gangnam-gu Office, a barren land for labor movements, three years ago is that labor movements should be conducted justly within the legal framework to protect employees."

He further noted that, especially because he understands better than anyone the severe hardships faced by dismissed public officials until their reinstatement, caution is necessary regarding collective actions.

Im said, "Regarding customer service during lunch hours in civil service departments, considering the nature of complaint handling and the unique characteristics of the district office organization, a long-term review is needed," adding, "There is no reason to insist on a lunch break from 12 PM to 1 PM while ignoring the nature of the workplace we chose, especially when not all employees eat together."

Instead, he mentioned plans to discuss with the executive team about expanding incentives, such as increasing allowances for employees working during lunch hours or securing more rest time as a solution.

The issue, he criticized, lies in the practice of scheduling night shifts or weekend work, especially using COVID-19 as a pretext to naturally organize weekend shifts and casually order tasks like quarantine and patrols.

Im said, "Seeing the removal of banners, environmental maintenance, and patrols on weekends?tasks that do not need to be done immediately?being carried out just like on weekdays and proudly posted in team leader KakaoTalk chat rooms makes me think that incompetent and abusive managers are being born, and we must stop this."

He also sarcastically remarked, "The major difference between the 6th and 7th elected administrations is the lack of clear personnel standards such as promotion to section chief, resulting in promotions of noticeable individuals regardless of ability. Consequently, absurd team leaders who could not even show their business cards during the 5th and 6th administrations are now cluttering the team leader KakaoTalk chat rooms."

In conclusion, he said, "For this year-end personnel appointment, I hope either to sequentially promote those born in 1965 or earlier to continue opening promotion opportunities, or to bypass them all and select from those born after 1971 to inject fresh youth."