1. FKTU officially withdrew from Tripartite Grand Bargaining
On 11 January, the Federation of Korean Trade Unions (FKTU) officially withdrew from the Tripartite Grand Bargaining during its central executive committee meeting, due to the government’s unilateral moves. At a press conference it held on 19 January, the FKTU confirmed that the Tripartite Grand Bargaining had broken down and declared its intention to no longer participate in the Tripartite Commission.
The Ministry of Employment & Labor (MOEL) criticized the FKTU’s decision to withdraw from the Tripartite Grand Bargaining and expressed its will to push forward with the labor reform bills in the National Assembly and two major guidelines on changes to the rules of employment and general dismissals.
On 22 January, despite the FKTU breaking up the Tripartite Grand Bargaining, President Park Geun-hye reaffirmed the strong will to push ahead with her administration’s labor reform policies (including 4 major bills) in an annual report by ministries that include the MOEL.
However, the ruling and opposition parties have different views on these labor reform bills and they are less likely to pass due to the Tripartite Grand Bargaining breakdown. The FKTU announced that it will oppose the modified 4 major bills proposed by the President and insisted that discussions on the 2 major guidelines start from the beginning again. The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) also announced that it will hold a rally against the labor reform bills.
2. KCTU discussed action plan from January to March and activities for 2016
On 19~20 January, the KCTU held its central executive committee and discussed its action plans for January to March, activities for 2016, and policies for the general election, etc.
The KCTU is expected to hold a general strike when the labor reform bills are proposed in the plenary session of the National Assembly or when the government issues its guidelines. The KCTU also plans to hold a general rally on 25 February to mark the 3rd year of the Park Geun-hye administration.
The KCTU intends to change tactics in its struggle against labor market reform to one that is more aggressive and involves reforming labor laws. Strategies seem to include pushing KCTU demands, engaging in progressive groups, and producing progressive political candidates.
The KCTU discussed plans for regular action including two general strikes over wage negotiations & collective bargaining (June to July and August to October), struggles to demand that minimum wage be set to 10,000 KRW, and struggles leading up to the general elections.
Besides these plans, the KCTU has scheduled formation of a ‘Joint Action Office for the General Elections’ in which progressive parties and civic groups participate to take joint action during the general elections. The KCTU seems to be focusing its support on strategic candidates and launching negative campaigns against candidates who support the labor reforms.