The ruling People Power Party (PPP) has initiated constitutional suits aiming to halt the progression of a pro-labor bill within the National Assembly. This legislation, commonly known as the “yellow envelope bill,” was forwarded directly to a plenary session for voting without completing the necessary judiciary committee deliberations. This step was instigated by the Democratic Party (DP) and the Justice Party (JP), the main and minor opposition parties respectively.

The PPP holds reservations about this bill, primarily because it restricts employers’ ability to lodge damage suits against striking workers. PPP lawmakers contend that this direct bill referral circumvents the judiciary committee’s right to deliberate legislation, and have therefore requested the Constitutional Court to suspend the validity of the referral. However, the bill would still face President Yoon Suk-yeol’s veto even if it does secure approval in the plenary session.

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Why It Matters

The DP’s efforts to enact the “yellow envelope bill” can be perceived as a strategic maneuver, especially with the parliamentary elections looming in less than a year. The bill, known for its pro-labor stance, might serve to attract the support of labor unions and working-class voters, demonstrating the DP’s commitment to these constituencies’ rights and welfare. In addition, the DP might be intentionally advancing legislation they anticipate Yoon will veto, in an effort to portray him as out of touch with voters ahead of next year’s elections. While presidential vetoes are traditionally used sparingly, Yoon has already demonstrated a willingness to utilize this power, as evidenced by his vetoes on the Grain Management Act and the Nursing Act.

Yoon and the PPP’s opposition to the “yellow envelope bill” are consistent with Yoon’s previously demonstrated tough stance towards labor union groups. Yoon’s approval ratings have shown a positive correlation with his firm stand against labor strikes in the past. At the start of the year, Yoon signaled his intent to carry out labor reforms, often describing labor unions as “vested interests” signaling to voters his commitment to keep labor unions in check.