Heated Debate and Loud Voices Over the 'Noran Bongtu Law' at the Employment and Labor Law Subcommittee (Comprehensive)

Minju's 'Legal Strike Guarantee Act' Unilaterally Submitted to Environment and Labor Committee

On the 30th, at the Employment and Labor Law Review Subcommittee of the Environment and Labor Committee held in the National Assembly, as the opposition parties including the Democratic Party of Korea proposed the Yellow Envelope Act, Im I-ja, a member of the People Power Party, protested and left the meeting room. Photo by Yoon Dong-ju doso7@

Lee Jung-mi, leader of the Justice Party, is speaking at the 'Justice Party Sit-in Protest for the Enactment of the Yellow Envelope Act' press conference on the steps in front of the National Assembly main building on the 30th. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Chae-eun] On the morning of the 30th at 10 a.m., the Environment and Labor Committee held a subcommittee meeting on the Employment Labor Act and suddenly submitted the Yellow Envelope Act (Amendment to Articles 2 and 3 of the Labor Union Act), leading to a heated argument marked by loud exchanges between the ruling and opposition parties.

Im Ija, a member of the ruling People Power Party and the Employment Labor Act Review Subcommittee, expressed opposition and left the meeting room along with fellow party member Park Daesu. Kim Youngjin, the subcommittee chair and a member of the Democratic Party, said regarding the two members’ departure, “It is no different from a parliamentary strike. It is unreasonable.”

At the meeting held that day, the Yellow Envelope Act was suddenly put on the agenda following a proposal to change the schedule by Democratic Party member Yoon Geon-young. Yoon said, “A legislative public hearing was held on November 17, and there have been various discussions on the amendment to the Labor Union Act through the National Assembly audit. However, the fact that it has not even been submitted yet shows a neglect of the National Assembly’s fundamental duties.” He requested that the ten labor union law bills referred to the subcommittee today be reviewed with priority over other agenda items.

In response, Democratic Party members Kim Youngjin, Yoon Geon-young, Lee Sujin, Jeon Yonggi, and Justice Party member Lee Eunju showed support. People Power Party members Park Daesu and Im Ija opposed by raising their hands.

On the 30th, at the Employment and Labor Law Review Subcommittee of the Environment and Labor Committee held in the National Assembly, the opposition parties including the Democratic Party of Korea proposed the Yellow Envelope Act, and Im I-ja, a member of the People Power Party, is making a protest statement against this. Photo by Yoon Dong-ju doso7@

Members of the Democratic Party of Korea, the Justice Party, the Basic Income Party, independents, and representatives of civil society organizations are holding a "Press Conference Urging the Regular National Assembly to Pass the Yellow Envelope Act" at the National Assembly on the 27th. Photo by Yoon Dong-ju doso7@

In a procedural speech, Representative Im said, “It was revealed through the legislative public hearing that the labor union law amendment should not be made, and that is the party line of the People Power Party,” adding, “First, it does not align with the intent to limit the enjoyment of the three labor rights to workers, and there are many parts that do not fit the basic structure of the Labor Union Act regarding collective agreements.” He added, “If the amendment passes, there will be considerable room for interpretation regarding strike actions, which is expected to cause confusion.” Im said, “The three labor rights must be protected, but it should not proceed in a way that unilaterally sacrifices other fundamental rights,” and “The current labor union law under discussion is nothing more and nothing less than political logic.”

Democratic Party member Lee Sujin rebutted this. Lee said, “That is why the agenda should be submitted and discussions to narrow differences should be held,” adding, “The People Power Party serves the ultra-rich tax cuts and the interests of conglomerates and large corporations, while neglecting the lives of workers dying in the field. The people will judge.” Lee said, “Many have died due to the abuse of damages and provisional seizure by large corporations. The current three labor rights must not be nullified or weakened,” adding, “It is common sense for legislators to know that there is no eternal boundary between illegal and legal.” He said, “Calling it a law that encourages illegal strikes without any discussion or review is not the duty of a member of the National Assembly,” and “The bill can be reviewed in the subcommittee to ensure the essence of rights is not infringed.”

[Image source=Yonhap News]

In response, Representative Im said, “I cannot agree with protecting any form of illegality by law,” and “It should not be pushed through by majority seats. The Democratic Party is making a law for the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions,” criticizing. Lee countered, “Then the bill should be reviewed and discussed,” adding, “The ruling party has responsibility. They must fulfill their responsibility. Why are they trying not to work (on the bill discussion in the National Assembly)?”

Following this, People Power Party members Im Ija and Park Daesu, who opposed the bill’s submission, abruptly left the meeting room, causing a commotion. Kim Youngjin, chair of the Employment Labor Act Review Subcommittee and a member of the Democratic Party, said, “President Yoon will respond strictly to illegal strikes. Currently, the People Power Party is engaging in illegal strikes and dereliction of duty in the National Assembly, and we will respond according to the National Assembly Act procedures.”

Meanwhile, at the bill subcommittee meeting that day, deliberations are expected to narrow the gap between the Democratic Party’s and Justice Party’s versions of the Yellow Envelope Act. Even if the Yellow Envelope Act passes the subcommittee, it must go through the plenary session, the Legislation and Judiciary Committee, and the final plenary vote.