Why the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions Harms Our Society

The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) reigns over our society as an extralegal entity. Even while repeatedly breaking the law, it pressures the National Assembly to pass laws that expand its own privileges. The KCTU’s abuses of power have continued because the political establishment has capitulated to its strength. That, in turn, means the KCTU wields enormous political influence. It has the organizational mobilization capacity to deploy manpower into the political arena, abundant financial resources, and the violence to commit illegal acts. In terms of political power, it can be said to be the most powerful force in our country.

It is no exaggeration to call the 21st National Assembly “a National Assembly for the KCTU.” Most of the KCTU’s demands, beginning with the Serious Accidents Punishment Act, have been turned into legislation. Now it is even trying to pass the Yellow Envelope Act (Revised Labor Commission Act). Things that would have been unimaginable in past National Assemblies are taking place. There is no precedent in our political history for a group using the National Assembly as its handmaid to expand its unchecked privileges. It is regrettable that the National Assembly is neglecting legislation for the people and instead engaging in politics for the KCTU. The Democratic Party, as the majority party, bears great responsibility. The reason is likely its desire to make use of the KCTU’s support and political clout. But this is a wrongful abandonment of the duties expected of a major public party representing the nation.

Our society is also being shocked by revelations that former and current KCTU officials were involved in espionage activities, in addition to illegal acts and violence. If, beyond anti-Japan and anti-U.S. activities, they also engaged in organized acts benefiting the enemy, then this could be called an “anti-state organization.” It has been reported that since 2003, KCTU-related figures have visited North Korea 114 times under the organization’s name. The KCTU must inspect activities within the organization and determine whether there have been deviations by internal personnel. If illegal acts are found, it should request an investigation by the authorities and show that it is reforming its own flawed organizational practices. Without such self-corrective efforts, social anxiety will persist because the KCTU will be seen as intending to continue its wrongful activities.

It was wrong to guarantee and expand union privileges for the KCTU, which pursues political objectives. The KCTU functions primarily as a political force rather than as a labor union. Beginning with the Democratic Labor Party, labor forces actively engaged in party politics under changing names, but now the National Assembly is cooperative toward the KCTU, so it no longer seems to feel the need to do so.

Legally guaranteeing privileges undermines the rule of law. As legislation protecting special privileges increases, the social losses caused by rent-seeking inevitably grow. Distortions in the labor market reduce jobs for workers and deepen wage disparities. The worsening dual structure of the labor market is becoming an obstacle to improving the public’s welfare. For the sake of the privileges of the KCTU’s regular employee union members, the vast majority of workers and citizens are being forced to bear the sacrifice.

What is now needed is an effort to remove labor-related regulations created for the KCTU and normalize the labor market. We must modernize labor market institutions by eliminating union privileges so that workers and job seekers can enjoy jobs with peace of mind and gain access to better jobs. As a first step, union transparency should be strengthened, and various government subsidies and support should be halted. Furthermore, in order to stop violent demonstrations that have paralyzed workplaces, replacement work during strikes should be permitted.

Sung-no Choi

President, Center for Free Enterprise (CFE)

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Original title: 민주노총이 우리 사회에 해로운 이유

Author: Sung-no Choi

Date: 2023-05-07

Source: https://www.cfe.org/bbs/bbsDetail.php?cid=press&idx=25616