Condemnation of Attempts to Deteriorate Labor Rights
The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) criticized President Yoon Suk-yeol for attempting to block the expansion of the Serious Accidents Punishment Act, which strengthens criminal penalties for employers in the event of industrial accidents, to workplaces with 5 to fewer than 50 employees, and demanded the resignation of his administration.
On the 27th, the KCTU held a rally in front of the Press Center in Jung-gu, Seoul, titled "Condemn the Abuse of Veto Power! Stop the Deterioration of the Serious Accidents Punishment Act! Resign the Yoon Suk-yeol Administration in 2024," making these claims.
They criticized President Yoon for expressing regret after requesting the National Assembly to postpone the expansion of the Serious Accidents Punishment Act to workplaces with fewer than 50 employees, and when the postponement failed, accusing him of attempting to undermine labor rights.
They stated, "President Yoon continues to pressure for a postponement, vowing to block the full implementation of the Serious Accidents Punishment Act," and raised their voices, saying, "The Yoon Suk-yeol administration, which is pressuring to weaken the Serious Accidents Punishment Act, must resign."
Earlier, the People Power Party pushed for the passage of a bill to extend the postponement of the expansion of the Serious Accidents Punishment Act at the plenary session held on the 25th. The concern was that if the expansion to workplaces with 5 to fewer than 50 employees proceeded as scheduled from that day, small and micro businesses would face difficulties securing related personnel and bearing costs, making business challenging and potentially increasing unemployment.
However, the Democratic Party of Korea opposed the bill, and it was not even submitted to the plenary session. Upon hearing this news, President Yoon expressed "strong regret over the irresponsible actions of the opposition party that disregarded the difficulties of small businesses and the livelihood economy."
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