{"id":2202834,"date":"2023-11-21T17:00:03","date_gmt":"2023-11-21T08:00:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/?p=2202834"},"modified":"2023-11-22T19:22:17","modified_gmt":"2023-11-22T10:22:17","slug":"how-bidens-pro-union-stance-clashes-with-yoons-anti-labor-policies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2023\/11\/how-bidens-pro-union-stance-clashes-with-yoons-anti-labor-policies\/","title":{"rendered":"How Biden\u2019s pro-union stance clashes with Yoon\u2019s anti-labor policies"},"content":{"rendered":"
In an era where global labor dynamics are increasingly under scrutiny, two starkly contrasting stories have emerged from opposite sides of the world. In the U.S., a significant <\/span>victory for organized labor<\/span><\/a> marked a defining moment, as auto workers in Detroit successfully went on strike against the nation\u2019s largest car manufacturers, demanding and achieving better pay and conditions.<\/span><\/p>\n This success, undoubtedly influenced by the Biden administration\u2019s supportive policies and public backing, signals a notable shift in American labor relations.<\/span><\/p>\n Conversely, in South Korea, a contrasting narrative unfolded. Thousands of truck drivers advocating for minimum pay and improved work conditions faced a starkly different fate. The Yoon administration effectively <\/span>quashed<\/span><\/a> their movement through an unprecedented and forceful \u201cback-to-work order,\u201d <\/span>likening their strike<\/span><\/a> to a threat on par with North Korea\u2019s nuclear weapons.<\/span><\/p>\n While seemingly divergent, these scenarios are united by a common thread: the significant influence of national leadership in shaping industrial relations. This connection spotlights a broader trend where politics and economics are increasingly intertwined, profoundly impacting labor movements in both countries.<\/span><\/p>\n REDEFINING SOUTH KOREA\u2019S LABOR LANDSCAPE<\/b><\/p>\n ROK President Yoon Suk-yeol\u2019s tenure began with clear indications of a shift in South Korea\u2019s labor policy. Moving away from his predecessor\u2019s approach, Yoon advocated empowering businesses, criticizing labor unions as part of \u201c<\/span>vested interest cartels<\/span><\/a>.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n This perspective overlooked the influence of the country\u2019s major conglomerates, casting labor unions, traditionally opposed to conservative policies, as a primary obstacle to economic progress.<\/span><\/p>\n Under the Yoon administration, there has been a concerted effort to diminish the influence of labor organizations, which he has labeled a \u201c<\/span>deep-rooted evil<\/span><\/a>.\u201d Actions taken include extensive investigations into construction unions, leading to the <\/span>arrest<\/span><\/a> and prosecution of thousands of individuals on various charges, from racketeering to obstructing business. Additionally, in a controversial move, law enforcement <\/span>raided<\/span><\/a> key labor organization offices on allegations of collaboration with North Korea.<\/span><\/p>\n Politically, Yoon\u2019s hardline stance against labor unions has bolstered his image as a decisive leader, particularly among his party\u2019s conservative base.<\/span><\/p>\n Further, the public perception of unions in South Korea has also shifted, with declining support in recent years. About 86% of the Korean workforce are not union members, and they view union activities as self-serving. The high prevalence of temporary employment and low overall union membership bolsters this sentiment.<\/span><\/p>\n Yoon’s economic strategy appears to be characterized by three main initiatives: <\/span>large-scale tax cuts<\/span><\/a> and easing regulatory constraints for big businesses, increasing productivity by curbing what is perceived as unions\u2019 <\/span>rent-seeking<\/span><\/a> behavior and the business-stifling effects of <\/span>labor protections<\/span><\/a> and cutting public spending, including the recent <\/span>closure of foreign worker welfare centers<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n An anti-union approach is thus not merely political positioning but seems to reflect Yoon\u2019s fundamental economic philosophy. His administration\u2019s actions suggest a belief that economic growth and success hinge on these principles.<\/span><\/p>\n