The labor movement is facing a crisis as the prosecution investigation into a labor union picks up momentum. Prosecutors have been investigating current and former offices in the national taxi union for alleged misuse of funds, and in a related move are banning Federation of Korean Trade Unions (FKTU, Han'guk Nochong) former president Lee Nam Soon from being able to leave the country. FKTU is facing its biggest trial since its founding.
The news is particularly shocking because Lee is accused of misusing union funds in the course of the construction of a welfare center. He has admitted the fact that he received "development funds" from the construction company, but says all of that was spent on union expenses. Maybe he himself may feel somewhat wronged, but with the prosecution hinting at the possibility the funds were diverted and the press giving that major coverage it is an issue that cannot be ignored. Current president Lee Yong Deuk has apologized to the nation and announced measures that include the disclosure of personal assets by union officers, in addition to declaring that he is prepared to appear before investigators when called. Right now Lee Nam Soon needs to be fully cooperative in the investigation. If he is innocent, then it will instead be the prosecution that is criticized for going overboard. The situation is a problem for more than just FKTU. The investigation into the union at Hyundai Motors, a union under Korea's other umbrella union organization the Korean Federation of Trade Unions (KFTU, Minju Nochong) is growing. Prosecutors have arrested voting representatives who took bribes and are reportedly planning to call in union officials as well.
The rights and interests of workers are being threatened because of the crises confronting the nation's two umbrella unions FKTU and KFTU. Unions have become the object of public scorn and now suddenly big business is refusing to discuss the legislation on irregular workers. It would not be a good thing for employers or the government to try to take advantage of the all out investigation of the labor movement in order to implement their own intentions or for other benefit, because that could raise questions about the authenticity of the investigation. Responsibility for having the investigation begin of course clearly lies with the unions concerned. The labor movement needs to resolved to make this crisis that began with irregularities on the part of some of its leaders a stepping stone to rehabilitation.
The Hankyoreh, 18 May 2005.
[Translations by Seoul Selection (PMS)]
[Editorial] Labor's Response to New Investigation |
