[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Shin Dong-ho] Kim Tae-jin, a member of the Gwangju Metropolitan City Seo-gu Council (Progressive Party), argued that improving the labor conditions of community sports instructors at the minimum living wage level is urgent.
During the 5-minute free speech at the 2nd plenary session of the 306th regular meeting, Councilor Kim stated, “There was no labor sensitivity found in the administration implemented in Gwangju, which prides itself as a city of democracy and human rights,” and urged the introduction of a seniority-based pay system for community sports instructors.
Kim also criticized the passive administration of the five autonomous districts of Gwangju, which consistently responded to demands for the introduction of the seniority-based pay system and conversion to regular positions with explanations such as “It is difficult because it is the first in a metropolitan city” and “There is no government policy.” He mentioned cases of other local governments that improved the labor conditions of community sports instructors.
Councilor Kim said, “Jeonnam (Hwasun, Jangseong, Haenam) pays wages at about 94% of local government public service workers, and Gangwon Province pays the same wages as grade 7 local government officials,” adding, “Gyeonggi Province (Uijeongbu, Yeoncheon) provides activity expenses, vacation pay, family allowances, and seniority allowances, and Dong-gu, Ulsan, has implemented a seniority-based pay system.”
He also pointed out the reality of the administration that is obsessed only with visible achievements such as the establishment of a complex community center and a sports center for the disabled, which involve hundreds of billions of won in budget immediately.
Councilor Kim said, “Even with a budget of less than 20 million won, stable employment of community sports instructors (16 people) in Seo-gu can be guaranteed,” and added, “It is time to seriously consider what policies are truly necessary for providing high-quality community sports services to residents stably.”
Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Shin Dong-ho yjm3070@asiae.co.kr
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