Union: "On-site risks persist even after Jeongjagyo Bridge collapse"
"Practical administrative restructuring needed, not political calculation"
"Rejection of restructuring plan ignores citizen safety"
The Goyang Special City Public Officials Labor Union (Chairperson Jang Hyejin) recently expressed strong regret regarding the city council's rejection of the city's organizational restructuring plan, stating, "The safety of citizens has become a political scapegoat."
Officials from the Goyang City Government Employees' Labor Union held a feedback session on the city's organizational restructuring on the 15th, directly listening to the voices of low-tenure employees. Provided by Goyang Special City
In a statement released on the 22nd, the union said, "The restructuring plan, which was practically prepared by public officials to enhance citizen safety and administrative efficiency, was rejected due to the party policy decisions of certain city council members." The union criticized this as "an undemocratic decision that threatens the lives and safety of citizens and undermines the morale of the public sector."
The rejected restructuring plan included measures to strengthen on-site response personnel and expand dedicated functions for managing aging infrastructure. However, it is reported that the resolution failed as council members from the Democratic Party of Korea, who hold the majority in the city council, opposed it in line with party policy.
The union pointed out, "Even after the Jeongjagyo Bridge collapse, risks threatening citizen safety still persist on the ground," and added, "The aging of the first-phase new towns, which are over 30 years old, the Baekseok sinkhole, and cracks in buildings in Madudong are already endangering citizen safety."
The issue of workforce imbalance in Goyang City was also raised. The union stated, "While city hall is overstaffed, there continue to be more than 100 vacancies at district offices and local administrative sites," and explained, "Delayed personnel redistribution is weakening on-site response capabilities."
Limitations in personnel management compared to other local governments were also mentioned. "In Yongin City, promotion is possible in an average of two years, but in Goyang City, it takes more than four years," the union explained, adding, "This has led to a significant decline in morale among young public officials and a serious outflow of personnel."
The union also announced future action plans. "We will transparently inform citizens of the current situation through a press briefing and set up 'citizen safety net restoration memorial altars' in places where citizens gather, such as Hwajeong Square and Migwan Square," the union said, adding, "We will not hesitate to protest in front of the Federation of Korean Trade Unions, the Democratic Party of Korea headquarters, and the National Assembly."
The union emphasized, "We must protect the lives and safety of citizens based on common sense and responsibility, not politics," and stressed, "We will fight to the end for the morale of the public sector and the safety of citizens."
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