The Democratic Party of Korea stated it would prepare a final proposal similar to the original proposal from the Democratic Party that was subject to the veto power exercised by the Yoon Suk-yeol administration regarding the amendment to Articles 2 and 3 of the Trade Union Act (Yellow Envelope Law). It noted that the goal is to push for processing within the 'July temporary National Assembly,' but realistically, processing in the temporary National Assembly is difficult.
The Environment and Labor Committee and the Ministry of Employment and Labor held a party-government meeting at the National Assembly member's office this morning, discussing key issues of the Yellow Envelope Law and achieving a consensus.
Kim Ju-young, the ruling party's secretary of the Environment and Labor Committee and a member of the Democratic Party, met with reporters after the meeting and commented on the Yellow Envelope Law, saying, 'We discussed the law that passed last year but was vetoed by former President Yoon Suk-yeol, and we coordinated opinions to include more detailed aspects.' She added, 'We are approaching a consensus similar to the original (Democratic Party) proposal,' and noted, 'It seems we will need more time before the final bill is fully prepared.'
The amendment to Articles 2 and 3 of the Trade Union Act focuses on strengthening the responsibility of primary companies for subcontracted workers and limiting corporations' claims for damages against trade union activities. It passed the National Assembly plenary session twice in November 2023 and August 2024, but was all voided due to the veto exercised by the Yoon Suk-yeol administration. Since then, the Democratic Party has stated it will rapidly push the Yellow Envelope Law as one of the livelihood legislations following the inauguration of the Lee Jae-myung administration.
Recently, the Ministry of Employment and Labor has reportedly prepared a proposal to extend the suspension period of the law from the existing 6 months to 1 year, while also narrowing the scope of recognized labor disputes and clarifying the factors to be considered when determining liability for damages. In response, labor groups and progressive circles have strongly opposed it, describing it as 'a regressive bill.' As a result, it seems the opinions have been finalized through party-government consultations to align closely with the existing Democratic Party proposal.
Ahn Ho-young, chairman of the Environment and Labor Committee, emphasized during his opening remarks at the party-government meeting that, 'In the primary-subcontractor relationship, there is a reality where working conditions can only be improved if the primary company negotiates. However, the labor relations law has not resolved this issue. Additionally, there are instances of excessive damage claims with the intent to obstruct or hinder union activities, which has led many workers to take their own lives.' He noted the need for 'accuracy in the law and creating laws that fit reality.'
The Democratic Party has set a goal to pass the Yellow Envelope Law at the plenary session on August 4. Initially, the Democratic Party indicated it would slow down the process in the August temporary National Assembly due to growing opposition from the business community and the People Power Party.
However, it appears the atmosphere has rapidly shifted to accelerate the process as President Lee Jae-myung recently urged his aides to 'promptly push for the Yellow Envelope Law.' The National Assembly's Environment and Labor Committee has been reviewing the Yellow Envelope Law bill since this morning.
Nevertheless, the possibility of the Yellow Envelope Law being processed on the last day of the July temporary National Assembly, August 4, is not high. Controversial bills, including the broadcasting law, are scheduled to be presented at the plenary session on August 4. The People Power Party has announced its intention to filibuster, making it likely that the Yellow Envelope Law will be dealt with during the July temporary National Assembly.