Allegations of Unfair Dismissal at Civil Complaint Call Center
Protests Continue for Months at Various Venues and Times
Investigations by Labor Office and Higher Authorities Find No Major Issues
Naju City Responds Unusually by Issuing Detailed Rebuttals
Naju City in South Jeolla Province has clearly stated that several allegations raised by some parties, including claims of unfair dismissal of employees, are not true. The city is taking an unusually proactive approach, issuing rebuttal statements for each issue.
According to Naju City and related sources on June 18, the main allegations made by some civic group members and protesters are: 'Unfair dismissal of employees due to the expiration of the Naju City civil complaint call center contract,' 'Infringement on residents' health rights due to the construction of a solar power facility in Seji-myeon,' and 'Disguised closure of the former operator of the youth training center and unfair dismissal of contract employees.'
These individuals argue that these issues stem from abuses of power arising from long-standing practices such as workplace harassment within the city government, or from procedural flaws caused by desk-bound administration. They have been holding intense protests for several months, holding Naju City responsible for these matters and demanding solutions.
They have been focusing on publicizing these incidents by holding picket signs and banners with provocative slogans at various times and locations, including the intersection in front of city hall, presidential election campaign rallies, and Memorial Day ceremonies.
In response, Naju City has stated that these claims are completely untrue.
Regarding the controversy over the alleged unfair dismissal of a call center employee whose contract expired, the city explained that the individual was employed on a one-year contract basis. The contract was formally terminated after a comprehensive review of performance evaluations and the necessity of the project, followed by deliberation by the personnel committee.
As for the solar power facility in Seji-myeon, the city clarified that the facility was installed in accordance with relevant laws after receiving a power generation business permit in July 2019 and a development activity permit in April 2020. There have been no reports of harmful effects, such as electromagnetic waves, resulting from the operation of the solar facility.
Regarding the alleged disguised closure of the youth training center, the city asserted that it is currently preparing for operations, including carrying out building remodeling projects. The issue of employee dismissal, they claim, is outside the authority of Naju City.
In fact, most of these allegations have been investigated by higher authorities such as the Labor Office and South Jeolla Province, which concluded that there were "no violations of the law."
A Naju City official stated, "Some protesters and civic group members continue to raise suspicions and stage indiscriminate protests as if there are many problems with Naju City's administration. However, most of the issues they have raised have either been found to be unproblematic or have been judged by higher authorities to have no legal flaws. Despite this, they refuse to accept these findings and continue their protests," the official said.
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