Government Officials' Union Proposes Disciplinary Pardons and Compensation Reforms in Meeting with Minister Choi Dongseok

"Disaster Safety Allowance System Also Needs Improvement"

The Korean Federation of Government Employees' Unions (Chairman Kim Hyunjin, hereafter referred to as the Government Officials' Union) announced on the 11th that it held a meeting with Choi Dongseok, Minister of Personnel Innovation, and officially proposed improvements to unreasonable systems within the public sector. These proposals included a 'disciplinary pardon' for former and current civil servants who received minor disciplinary actions under the President's special pardon, the realization of fairer civil servant compensation, and improvements to the eligibility requirements for disaster safety allowances.

The Government Officials' Union held a meeting with the Minister of Personnel Innovation on the 11th and proposed improvements to unreasonable systems. Provided by the Government Officials' Union.

The proposal for disciplinary pardons aims to implement the original intent of the pardon authority as stipulated by the Constitution and the Pardon Act?namely, promoting national unity, resolving social conflict, and fostering community harmony?within the public sector as well.

The Government Officials' Union stressed, "Even in cases where minor negligence or procedural mistakes result in disciplinary actions such as warnings or salary reductions, personnel disadvantages persist for an extended period," and emphasized, "Minor errors that inevitably occur during proactive administration should not become grounds for restrictions on promotions or awards."

During the meeting, the participants also discussed the need for realistic salary increases, the adjustment of overtime pay to reflect actual conditions, and the expansion of the recipients of disaster safety allowances, so that outstanding talent can continue to enter public service.

The Government Officials' Union stated, "The unit price for overtime pay is only about 55% of that in the private sector, which has been identified as a factor lowering civil servant morale," and requested, "Please gradually adjust this to match the level in the private sector." Regarding disaster safety allowances, the union pointed out that only departments dedicated to disaster response are currently eligible, while on-site response and recovery departments are excluded, creating an equity issue. The union therefore proposed improvements to the eligibility requirements.

According to the Government Officials' Union, Choi Dongseok, Minister of Personnel Innovation, stated, "Ensuring a dignified life for all citizens is a key duty of the government," and added, "We will carefully review the issues raised today, rationally improve unreasonable elements within the public sector, and create conditions that allow civil servants who serve the public to work in a stable environment."

The Government Officials' Union added, "This proposal marks the starting point for institutional improvements to guide the public sector toward a healthier and more sustainable direction," and stated, "We will continue to work closely with the Ministry of Personnel Innovation to ensure that these changes are substantively reflected in the system."