Gyeongnam Provincial Government Workers' Union Demands Collective Bargaining After 7 Years ... Four-Day Workweek and Practical Administrative Officer System Included

Gyeongsangnam-do is set to engage in collective bargaining with the Provincial Government Employees' Union for the first time in seven years.

The Gyeongnam Provincial Government Employees' Union announced on the 21st that it had submitted its 2025 collective bargaining proposal at the vice governor's conference room in the provincial government office.

This collective bargaining proposal, the first since the 2018 agreement, was finalized at the regular delegates' meeting on March 14 after gathering opinions from all union members at the main office, affiliated agencies, and business offices from October 2024.

Park Myungkyun, Deputy Governor of Gyeongnam Province (left), and Han Jinhee, Chairman of the Gyeongnam Provincial Government Employees' Union, are holding up the collective bargaining demands together. Provided by Gyeongnam Provincial Government

The proposal includes provisions such as the introduction of a four-day workweek, expansion of self-development and special leave for work-life balance, implementation of multi-faceted evaluations for all employees, and measures to address best and worst executive officials to improve organizational culture.

It also covers the implementation of the practical administrative officer system, reflecting inflation rates in welfare points, and annual health check-ups to strengthen working conditions and welfare.

Union leader Han Jinhee stated, "Reflecting changes in the administrative environment and the evolving needs of our members, this collective bargaining process, resuming after seven years, will be an important turning point for creating a fair and stable public service culture and for improving working conditions and protecting rights and interests."

He further emphasized, "Young people are leaving public service due to a rigid organizational culture and low compensation. Please consider bold improvements to these poor working conditions."

In response, Vice Governor Park Myungkyun said, "This agreement is an important document that reflects the will of union members and voices from the field, and it is significant in laying the foundation for trust and mutual growth within the organization. We will faithfully negotiate and approach this with a sense of responsibility, taking into account all legal and institutional circumstances."