Daegu Public Officials Union Opposes Hasty "TK Administrative Integration"... Calls for Democratic Procedures

The Daegu Public Officials Labor Union (Chairman Kim Youngjin) issued a statement on January 22 regarding the ongoing administrative integration of Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province. The union expressed strong regret and made clear its opposition, stating that the current process will inevitably result in a hasty and poorly executed merger.

In its statement, the union emphasized that, reflecting on the failed integration process led by former Mayor Hong Joonpyo in 2024, the current initiative must proceed with caution and through democratic procedures. The union strongly criticized the lack of consistency in policy implementation, likening it to the proverb "changing in the morning and altering in the evening." Furthermore, it pointed out that, since the integration is being pushed forward under the direction of President Lee Jaemyung ahead of the June local elections, failure to overcome coercive elements will inevitably lead to a loss of public trust.

Daegu City Hall Dongin Office Building

The union particularly criticized the rush to integration without thoroughly reviewing or providing alternatives regarding the treatment of affiliated public officials, organizational restructuring, and potential personnel disadvantages. It argued that such an approach disregards the public officials involved, and insisted that questions regarding employee treatment must be addressed as a prerequisite.

Going forward, the union plans to conduct a survey among its members and staff regarding their support or opposition to the administrative integration and will make the results public. It also intends to discuss the matter with representatives of labor unions from other local governments currently pursuing integration, in order to ensure that the process is based on democratic procedures and rational alternatives. The union stressed that administrative integration requires not only speed but also proper procedures and trust, warning that without sufficient review and social consensus, both citizens and public officials will suffer as a result.