Yonsei University Students and Cleaning Workers' Lawsuit Controversy Spreads... Criticism of the Lawsuit Also Appears in Course Syllabi

Controversy Grows as Protest Posters Criticizing Lawsuit Emerge
Professor Na Yoon-kyung to Address Cleaning Workers' Lawsuit Controversy in 'Social Issues and Justice' Syllabus

On the 9th, with showers falling across the inland areas, students are hurrying their steps at Yonsei University in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Jinju] Controversy is spreading on campus over three Yonsei University students filing a lawsuit against cleaning and security workers who are holding rallies demanding wage increases. Amid fierce debates among students for and against the lawsuit, a professor is planning a lecture criticizing the lawsuit.

According to reports from the university area on the 3rd, a large poster was posted at the entrance of Yonsei University Central Library. The student, who identified themselves as a member of the same learning community, wrote, "Your learning deserves respect, but the lives of workers also deserve respect," and added, "I am ashamed of your one-dimensional attitude that criticizes workers without seeking a coexistence of respect."

The student further criticized, "I hope community members who do not support the struggle feel ashamed," and said, "As a student, you may think your studies come first, but that sense of privilege itself is shameful."

Last month, three Yonsei University students, including Mr. Lee, filed a lawsuit at the Seoul Western District Court against the executive committee of the Seoul branch of the Korean Public Service and Transport Workers' Union, Yonsei University chapter, claiming that their right to study was infringed due to noise from the cleaning workers' rally. They demanded 6.4 million won in tuition fees, mental damages, and mental treatment costs.

Professor Na Yoon-kyung of Yonsei University's Department of Cultural Anthropology wrote in the syllabus for the 2022 second semester course "Social Issues and Justice" that she would address the lawsuit filed by students against cleaning workers as one of the lecture topics.

Professor Na stated, "The 2030 generation in Korea, who have historically experienced the greatest 'relative deprivation' in opportunities and resources, defend vested interests, and why they defend the current vested interests who historically enjoy the most privileges is the most urgent social research topic," adding, "When the basic rights for someone's survival cause 'my' inconvenience, their sense of fairness shouts unfairness not at the 'vested interests' but at those who have endured unfairness."

She continued, "The fact that some Yonsei University students are preparing lawsuits against the Korean Public Service and Transport Workers' Union, to which the cleaning workers belong, on the grounds of disrupting classes seems to be the same issue," and pointed out, "The obligation to guarantee students' right to study lies with the school, not the cleaning workers. Yet, by filing lawsuits against workers who have endured unfair treatment until now rather than the school, we cannot help but question what their sense of fairness is for and what kind of sense it is."

On the university community platform 'Everytime,' there were also responses expressing difficulty in understanding the cleaning workers' rally. One student said, "I understand the hardships of the cleaning workers, but I don't understand why they ask the school to resolve contract issues with the service company." Another student said, "Should only the cleaning workers' wage increase be sacrosanct? Should everyone endure inconvenience and offer empathy and support?"

The Joint Countermeasure Committee for Resolving Non-regular Labor Issues at Yonsei University posted a large poster supporting the cleaning workers and collected signatures from students, alumni, and citizens, which were delivered to the school's General Affairs Office.