'Yellow Envelope Act' Passed… KCTU Says "Labor Union Act Returns to Its Place, Must Be Implemented Immediately"

The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) welcomed the passage of the amendment to the Trade Union Act, known as the 'Yellow Envelope Act,' in the National Assembly plenary session and demanded that President Yoon Suk-yeol immediately implement the amendment.

On the 9th, the partial amendment to the Labor Union and Labor Relations Adjustment Act was passed at the plenary session held at the National Assembly. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

On the 9th, the KCTU stated in a commentary, "Contrary to its purpose, the current Trade Union Act has been used as a means to obstruct the three fundamental labor rights. With today's amendment, the Trade Union Act is finally taking an important step to return to its rightful place."

The KCTU also said, "This amendment to the Trade Union Act reflects the aspirations of martyrs such as Baedalho and Kim Ju-ik in 2003, Choi Kang-seo and the Ssangyong Motor workers in 2012, who sacrificed their lives to protect the dignity of workers. It is an amendment brought about by the struggles of numerous subcontracted and non-regular workers who have done everything from climbing high places to fasting to demand accountability from the actual employers, the primary contractors."

Furthermore, they urged President Yoon to promulgate and enforce the amended Trade Union Act. The KCTU said, "What the government and ruling party should do now is not to block the amendment to the Trade Union Act. It is their responsibility and duty to listen carefully to the voices of workers who are struggling to protect the dignity and rights of workers, which are being neglected and destroyed by politics and the system even today." They added, "President Yoon Suk-yeol should respect the legislative authority of the National Assembly and immediately promulgate and enforce the amended Trade Union Act."