Federation of Public Officials' Trade Unions Urges Lawmaker Park Junghyun to Propose Bill on Basic Political Rights

Call for Rights Protection at OECD Standards
Park Vows to Expedite Amendments to Relevant Laws

The Federation of Public Officials' Trade Unions (Chairman Shin Donggeun) announced on December 4 that it held a legislative meeting near the National Assembly with Park Junghyun, a lawmaker from the Democratic Party of Korea (representing Daedeok District, Daejeon), to discuss the restoration of basic political rights for public officials. This meeting was organized to urge the introduction of a bill following the submission of legislative demands by the 'Korean Confederation of Trade Unions Public Officials and Teachers' Right to Survival Committee' in October.

Chairman Shin Donggeun (third from right) and other officials of the Public Officials Union, along with Congressman Park Junghyun (third from left), are calling for the guarantee of basic political rights. Provided by the Public Officials Union

Chairman Shin Donggeun stated, "After 76 years, we must restore the constitutional rights of public officials by reinstating their basic political rights." He pointed out, "The National Public Officials Act and the Local Public Officials Act comprehensively prohibit political activities by public officials, making Korea the country with the most stringent restrictions on political activities among OECD member states." He added, "Although public officials are citizens of the Republic of Korea, their freedom of expression and ability to make political donations are blocked, resulting in excessive restrictions on their fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution."

Chairman Shin further emphasized, "The Democratic Party of Korea included 'guaranteeing basic political rights for public officials' in its 123 national policy tasks announced on September 16, making it an official agenda item. At the high-level policy council held by the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions on November 25, the party leader also made a promise. Therefore, the government and the National Assembly must support this through legislation."

Lawmaker Park Junghyun stated, "Continuing to suppress the basic political rights of public officials is not in line with the practices of major advanced countries and is an anachronism. Although the National Human Rights Commission of Korea has issued four recommendations for revision, there has been no proper discussion. Now is the time to swiftly promote amendments to the National Public Officials Act and related laws."

The Federation of Public Officials' Trade Unions declared, "This legislation can become a turning point that not only guarantees the rights of public officials but also raises the level of democracy in the Republic of Korea. We plan to work closely with the government and the National Assembly to ensure its passage within the year."