[2025 Audit] "Yellow Envelope Act Expected to Increase Strikes by Airport Workers"

"Active Measures Needed, Including Forming a Dedicated Task Force"

An analysis suggests that if the amendments to Articles 2 and 3 of the Trade Union and Labor Relations Adjustment Act (commonly referred to as the Yellow Envelope Act) are implemented, strikes by labor unions of Incheon International Airport Corporation’s subsidiaries could increase significantly.

National Assembly Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee's audit held on the 27th at the Incheon International Airport Corporation main conference room, Jung-gu, Incheon. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

According to the ‘Legal Advisory Results on the Yellow Envelope Act’ disclosed by Assemblyman Lee Jongwook of the People Power Party during the National Assembly Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee’s audit held at Incheon International Airport Corporation on the 27th, in July, the labor union of the corporation’s subsidiary was found to be able to choose the bargaining counterpart-either the corporation or the subsidiary itself-based on which party seemed most relevant to improving working conditions. The advisory also indicated that the frequency of industrial actions could rise as a result.

Assemblyman Lee stated, “Since the risks associated with strikes are greater for airports than for other institutions, we need to develop a more thorough response plan, such as forming a dedicated task force (TF). For example, Korea Electric Power Corporation is operating a dedicated TF to review legal matters and consider deploying substitute personnel during strikes.”

Toilet clogged inside Incheon Airport during the Chuseok holiday period. Kim Eunhye, member of the People Power Party

During the audit, remarks were made regarding airport workers who went on strike for the first time in history this year. During the Chuseok holiday period, when the labor union of the airport’s subsidiary went on strike, there were indications that members of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions intentionally clogged toilets at Incheon Airport by stuffing entire rolls of toilet paper into them. The police have launched an investigation into the matter.

Assemblywoman Kim Eunhye of the People Power Party criticized the union’s strike plans, saying, “They caused trouble during the busy and understaffed Chuseok holiday, and now, right before the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, they are planning to strike again.”

Previously, the National Airport Workers’ Solidarity, which consists of the Public Transport Workers’ Union Incheon Airport Branch of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions and the National Airport Labor Union, went on strike during the Chuseok holiday, demanding improvements in working conditions. They have stated that if the government and the corporation do not present countermeasures, they will go on strike again.

Lee Hakjae, President of Incheon International Airport Corporation, said, “We cannot meet all the demands of the strike, and even if we do not accept them, it is not the members of Incheon Airport who benefit, but the public. Even if the corporation is unable to prevent the strike, we will ensure that passengers experience no inconvenience when using the airport.”