Hong Ik-pyo: "Serious Accident Punishment Act Already in Effect... Postponement Now Violates Law and Principles"

Implemented on the 27th of last month... Reversing it goes against principles
"Missing the timing is the biggest issue"

Hong Ik-pyo, the floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is speaking at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 26th. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

The Democratic Party's floor leader Hong Ik-pyo stated that the party will not accept the two-year postponement proposal for the Serious Accident Punishment Act suggested by the government and ruling party, saying, "The law has already been in effect since the 27th of last month, and stopping it after implementation goes against principles."

On the 2nd, Hong appeared on SBS Kim Tae-hyun's Political Show and said, "The prevailing opinion was that postponing a law that has already been implemented does not align with the law and principles." The Serious Accident Punishment Act is a system that punishes business owners who neglect accident prevention duties when serious accidents such as worker deaths occur. Although the ruling party opposed the implementation by proposing a postponement, the law has been applied to all workplaces with five or more employees since the 27th of last month, driven by the Democratic Party's efforts.

Hong explained, "There are opinions that the opposition to the postponement is linked to the perception that the government and ruling party have been negligent in protecting life and safety in our society, such as rejecting the Itaewon Special Act." Regarding the Industrial Safety and Health Support Agency proposed by the People Power Party, he also mentioned, "The content itself excluded excessively core elements, for example, management supervision and investigation parts were all excluded."

When asked if there is room for further coordination if the ruling party brings a renegotiation proposal, he said, "It does not seem easy," adding, "There is a perspective questioning whether it is appropriate to postpone a law that has already been implemented. The biggest issue is that the timing was missed."

Regarding concerns that the enforcement of the Serious Accident Punishment Act could make it difficult for small business owners and self-employed individuals, he said there is an "exaggerated aspect." He explained, "The Industrial Safety and Health Act already applies to all workplaces with fewer than five employees, so punishment regulations already exist," and added, "The Serious Accident Punishment Act should be viewed differently because it holds management supervision functions and owners, CEOs, and company representatives accountable."

In response to criticism that the decision was made with labor union votes in mind ahead of the general election, he said, "What is important is how safely workers can work, based on the fundamental values of our society?respect for life and safety," and stated, "I cannot agree with that."