KCCI "Establishing Rule of Law in Industrial Sites, Continuous Policy Response is Important"

Discussion Forum on Establishing the Rule of Law in Industrial Sites on the 16th

The Korea Employers Federation suggested that continuous policy responses are necessary for the rule of law to take root in industrial sites.

On the 16th, the Federation held a "Discussion Forum for the Establishment of the Rule of Law in Industrial Sites" at the Korea Press Center in Jung-gu, Seoul, emphasizing this point. Lee Dong-geun, Vice Chairman of the Federation, stated, "Companies still face difficulties in complying with laws and regulations due to illegal struggles and non-cooperation by militant labor unions," adding, "Active and continuous government responses, along with improvements to labor laws in line with global standards, are needed."

He further pointed out, "Our legal system lacks proper measures to prevent unfair and illicit demands by labor unions," and "Among major countries competing with us on the international stage, it is rare to find cases that allow labor unions to occupy workplaces or completely prohibit replacement labor during strikes."

The first presenter of the day, Professor Lee Jeong of the Graduate School of Law at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, delivered a keynote speech titled "Sanctions on Illegal Labor-Management Actions in Japan and Their Implications." Professor Lee said, "Japan's stable labor-management relations have been possible because the rule of law in industrial sites was supported," emphasizing, "It is very important for Korea to actively and consistently respond to establish the rule of law to create cooperative labor-management relations."

According to Professor Lee, Japan prohibits wage compensation for full-time union officials as an unfair labor practice, and the Supreme Court of Japan does not recognize the legitimacy of labor unions occupying workplaces. Additionally, holding assemblies during working hours or within company facilities is also against the law.

The second presenter, Professor Kim Hee-seong of the Graduate School of Law at Kangwon National University, continued with a presentation titled "Key Issues and Improvement Measures of the Current Working Hours Exemption System." Professor Kim emphasized, "To reduce disputes surrounding the working hours exemption system on the ground, the method of use, procedures, and scope of exempted duties must be clearly defined." He also proposed making it mandatory for labor unions to submit plans for the use of working hours exemptions.