Concerns Over Reintroduction of the Yellow Envelope Act
Implications for National Assembly Attendance on the 27th
Flexible Working Hours as a Solution to Low Birthrate Issues
Lee Jeong-sik, Minister of Employment and Labor, criticized the re-submission of the amendment to Articles 2 and 3 of the Labor Union Act, known as the Yellow Envelope Act, in the 22nd National Assembly on the 24th, saying it would "grant immunity to (unions') illegal activities and promote strike absolutism."
At a press briefing held at the Government Complex Sejong that morning, he said, "The bill was re-submitted with more controversial toxic clauses than the final rejected bill," and strongly criticized, "There is no law in the world that grants immunity to illegal activities."
The Yellow Envelope Act, which was discarded in the 21st National Assembly due to President Yoon Seok-yeol's veto, was recently re-submitted with strengthened provisions that not only limit companies' claims for damages against striking workers but also allow unemployed and platform workers to join unions.
Minister Lee expressed concern, saying, "In places where labor-management relations are good, both companies and unions are reasonable, but if the amendment to the Labor Union Act passes, a vicious cycle will occur," adding, "As companies become uneasy, youth jobs will disappear, the dual structure of the labor market will become entrenched, and the difficulties of the national economy will continue, ultimately becoming a burden on the people."
When asked whether he would attend the legislative hearing on the amendment to the Labor Union Act scheduled for the 27th, he said, "I will do as stated in the National Assembly Act," indicating his attendance. Regarding whether he would recommend the president to request a reconsideration if the amendment passes the National Assembly, he avoided a direct answer, saying, "I cannot make a premature judgment."
Regarding criticism over the government's plan to introduce 1,200 foreign domestic workers in the first half of next year, Minister Lee stated, "We will conduct a pilot project and evaluation simultaneously."
He explained, "This is due to the supply of care workers not meeting demand, prompting consideration of various methods," adding, "With the number of domestic care workers decreasing by 12,000 annually and over 90% being aged 50 or older, this is an effort to utilize the workforce already in the country."
Minister Lee further explained, "Although the Ministry of Employment and Labor has worked hard, only 107 institutions have been certified as providers of domestic services, and they are not functioning effectively," adding, "Demand exceeds supply for domestic workers, and wages in the market are higher than the minimum wage."
Previously, as a measure against low birth rates, the government announced a plan to introduce 1,200 foreign care workers holding Employment Permit System (E-9) visas by the first half of next year and to allow international students or spouses of foreign workers to work as 'domestic workers' through a pilot project.
Minister Lee emphasized the government's focus on work-family balance as a primary measure against low birth rates, stating, "The most urgent and prioritized solution to the low birth rate problem lies in the expansion of work-family balance."
Referring to a virtual dialogue with Professor Nicholas Bloom of Stanford University, he said, "The solution to the population crisis lies in expanding flexible work by mixing telecommuting, remote work, and staggered working hours to increase labor productivity," emphasizing, "Flexible work systems can simultaneously solve individual, corporate, and social problems, achieving a 'triple win'."
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