Korean union to rally for subcontractor bargaining rights

A major South Korean labor union was scheduled to hold a large rally in downtown Seoul to advocate for direct bargaining rights for subcontracted workers. The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) expects around 10,000 members to participate in the demonstration, which is planned to begin near Gwanghwamun Square and proceed towards the presidential office.

Union members, including those from the Korean Metal Workers' Union, were set to walk out of their jobs to join the protest. The KCTU's primary demand is for businesses to engage in direct negotiations with their subcontracted workforce. This push comes despite the recent implementation of the 'yellow envelope act' in March, a labor law revision intended to bolster the bargaining power of subcontracted workers by mandating direct negotiations with prime contractors.

According to KCTU head Yang Kyeung-soo, unions under the KCTU umbrella have initiated negotiation requests with over 400 primary contractors in the last four months. However, actual negotiation processes have only commenced at a mere four of these businesses, highlighting the union's frustration with corporate resistance.