Minister Kim Young-hoon of the Ministry of Employment and Labor (MOEL) said the so-called "the yellow envelope law, a new labor law aimed at strengthening the bargaining rights of subcontract workers" (the revised Trade Union and Labor Relations Adjustment Act), which takes effect on the 10th, is about institutionalizing dialogue so that win-win bargaining can take place on working conditions that are substantively determined within the primary–subcontracting structure.
The Minister said this in opening remarks at a meeting of related ministers on the revised Trade Union and Labor Relations Adjustment Act held at Government Complex Seoul on the 4th, noting, "The purpose of this legislation is clear."
Kim noted, "Because this system is a path we have not taken before, there are concerns that differences in interpretation over bargaining procedures and scope could create confusion for worksites and the public." Kim went on to explain, "There are also simultaneous concerns that the bargaining power of subcontractor unions could be weakened, and conversely, that bargaining could be expanded excessively, increasing disputes."
The government said that in preparation for implementation, it has operated on-site support teams to gather opinions from labor and management groups, and has prepared interpretive guidelines and a bargaining procedure manual along with revisions to the enforcement decree. It plans to strengthen on-site guidance through a dedicated support system at local offices and expand interagency cooperation.
The Minister said, "The government will actively support efforts to enhance predictability on the ground through consistent principles and support, and to build trust asset in labor-management relations."
In particular, regarding the public sector, Kim said it is "an area where the government must play a substantive role." Kim said, "We will closely identify the needs at public sector worksites to support stable labor-management relations, and we will take the lead in creating an exemplary win-win model that spreads to the private sector."
Kim also made requests to labor and management. The Minister said, "Collective bargaining may be a burden for employers, but if management information is shared transparently and the wisdom of members is pooled, there will be no problem that cannot be solved," adding, "In a government of popular sovereignty, transparency is the very competitiveness of an institution."
Kim also said, "Labor unions as well should consider that sustainable development is possible when improvements in union members' working conditions lead to better public services for the people."