Proposal of the Fair Labor-Management Act
Calls for Measures to Safeguard Management Rights
On September 4, the People Power Party visited the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AMCHAM) to share concerns regarding the Yellow Envelope Act (the amendment to Articles 2 and 3 of the Trade Union and Labor Relations Adjustment Act) and pledged to pursue supplementary legislation.
Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, and other party leadership visited AMCHAM in Yeouido, Seoul on this day and met with James Kim, chairman of AMCHAM.
Jang stated, "The passage of the Yellow Envelope Act is expected to negatively impact not only labor flexibility but also the business management environment," and added, "We express serious concern over the unilateral passage of this bill by the ruling party without any communication."
Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, and James Kim, chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea, are posing for a commemorative photo on September 4, 2025, at the People Power Party-American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AMCHAM) meeting held at the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea in Yeouido, Seoul. Photo by the National Assembly Press Photographers Group
Chairman Kim also emphasized, "We are concerned that the Yellow Envelope Act could weaken Korea's competitiveness as a business hub," and added, "Since the bill has already passed, it is important to clarify the gray areas and make detailed adjustments to create a business-friendly environment."
The People Power Party announced that it would actively push for supplementary legislation regarding the Yellow Envelope Act and amendments to the Commercial Act.
Song Eonseok, floor leader of the People Power Party, said, "I believe the Yellow Envelope Act should be scrapped, but since we do not have enough seats to do so, we have proposed the Fair Labor-Management Act," and added, "Along with this, measures are needed to ensure proper business operations by providing at least minimum protections for management rights." Jang also stated, "We will move quickly to pursue alternative legislation," and added, "Whether this will become the party’s official stance will be discussed with the floor leader."
On the same day, Kim Eunhye, senior deputy floor leader for policy of the People Power Party, sponsored the 'Fair Labor-Management Act' (partial amendment to the Trade Union and Labor Relations Adjustment Act). The amendment specified in Article 42, which prohibits violent and destructive acts by unions, a complete ban on illegal inspections of all workplace facilities. It also included provisions allowing employers to hire substitute workers during union disputes.
Meanwhile, Chairman Kim proposed forming a task force (TF) involving both the political community and AMCHAM to increase the number of Asia-Pacific regional headquarters in Korea to 1,000. In response, Jang said, "We will consider it seriously."
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