1. National union centers, focus on pending issues and alignment of their internal organizations
The Federation of Korean Trade Unions (FKTU) is trying to solve the pending issues including the reduction of working hours by exerting influence in politics. For this, the FKTU executives are strengthening political activities in the following events ; ∆ the Saenuri Party leaders’ meeting (2 September), ∆ the Saenuri Party’s policy conference (15 September), and ∆ the New Politics Alliance for Democracy (NPAD) party leaders’ meeting (7 November); and ∆ struggle against the Saenuri Party congressmen who proposed ordinary wage-related amendments to the Labor Standards Act.
The FKTU also plans to unionize public institutions through activities against reformation of the civil service pension, and is seemingly pushing ahead with integration of the Korean Government Employees’ Union (KGEU, 65,000 members) after the decision to integrate its organization with the Korean Labor Unions Confederation (KLUC, 17,000 members).
The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) is preparing for direct election of its leadership (3~9 December). Among the four candidates who have run for the KCTU leadership, two candidates remain serious contenders: Han Sang-gyun who is promoting aggressive field strikes, and Jeon Jae-hwan who successfully merged NL and PD factions.
[Table 1] Candidates for the KCTU Presidential Election
|
Presidential candidates |
No. 1 Jung Yong-gun | No. 2Han Sang-gyun | No. 3Heo Young-gu | No. 4Jeon Jae-hwan |
| SupportingFaction | Central Faction(PD-faction) | Field Faction(PD-faction) | Field Faction(PD-faction) |
Central Faction (PD-faction) Citizen Faction (NL-faction) |
Of particular note is that if Jeon Jae-hwan, a candidate supported by the major KCTU factions is elected, he will likely push ahead with practical approach toward field strikes and exert more influence with the union as an independent political entity. Participation in the Tripartite Committee would likely be off the table, but some possibility still exists of restoring labor-government dialogue, especially on such issues as the workplaces with long-term disputes. Mr. Jeon would also likely strengthen the solidarity with progressive parties including the Progressive Justice Party, the Unified Progressive Party, and the Democratic Labor Party.
Meanwhile, the KCTU outlined its plans for 2015 at its National Workers’ Rally on 9 November, including the unionization of indirect employees and action against the government’s “normalization” plans for the public sector.
[Table 2] KCTU Action Plans for 2014 ~ 2015
|
Prior legislation goals
|
Amendments to the Act on the Establishment, Operation, etc., of Trade Unions for Teachers, the Trade Union & Labor Relations Adjustment Act, the Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance Act, the Assembly & Demonstration Act, and the Labor Standards Act
|
|
Action against
large companies
|
Labor action against indirect employment at 4 major enterprises, and against companies where industrial accidents occur
|
|
Action against government
|
Issues surrounding the Sewol ferry disaster, opposing privatization of public services including health care and railways
Action against “normalization” of public institutions
|
The membership of the both FKTU and KCTU has increased seemingly due to the “power alliance” with the “rational labor movement” for the FKTU and unionization activities in subcontracted companies and small & medium enterprises under the KCTU.
[Table 3] Membership Comparison by Umbrella Unions (2010-2013)
(∆: Increase, ▼: Decrease)
(∆: Increase, ▼: Decrease)
|
Umbrella Union
|
2010
|
2011
|
2012
|
2013
|
|
FKTU
|
Approx. 728,000 members
|
Approx. 769,000 members
(∆)
|
Approx. 809,000 members
(∆)
|
Approx. 820,000 members
(∆)
|
|
KCTU
|
Approx. 580,000 members
|
Approx. 562,000 members
(▼)
|
Approx. 605,000 members
(∆)
|
Approx. 626,000 members
(∆)
|