Korean Federation of Trade Unions “Nothing to Hold Back, But Self-Infringement”
The president’s office is strengthening the government’s position to more transparently handle the financial management of major unions, such as the National Confederation of Democratic Unions (CTU). The government and the ruling party are also reviewing important cases in overseas advanced countries which can ensure that union accounting transparency is strengthened.
In a phone call with Dong-A Ilbo on the 19th, an official from the presidential office said: “Most people agreed early on on the need to strengthen the union’s accounting transparency.” “There will be no public who will oppose increasing the transparency of accounting by guaranteeing the autonomy of the union,” he said.
Regarding current regulations requiring self-audits on finances and the use of unions, etc., and the disclosure of findings, a presidential office official said, “It would not be meaningless to disclose this as if it were an audit of a neighborhood alumni association? We need a more careful review,” he stressed. Article 27 of the current trade union law requires trade unions to communicate the results of the clearance of accounts and the operational status when requested by the administrative authorities. However, not only can you see the data prepared by the union, but there is little precedent where the administrative authorities have requested it, so it is practically private.
The labor community has refrained from public opposition, but it is a climate of internal displeasure, stating that “the autonomy of the organization can be violated”. An official from the Korean Federation of Trade Unions (FKTU) said in a phone call with The Dong-A Ilbo, “There is nothing to be offended by disclosing finances, but trying to look into internal finances is a violation of the autonomy and of the autonomy of an independent organization.” The Confederation of Trade Unions did not give an official response that day.
Reporter Jang-Seok Jang [email protected]
Reporter Kim Ye-yoon [email protected]
