Jeong Cheong-rae Visits Federation of Korean Trade Unions Again After Two Months—'Extending Retirement Age Is Now Essential, Not Optional'

(Seoul=Yonhap Infomax) Nam Kyoung Hwang – Jeong Cheong-rae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, stated on the 25th, "Extending the retirement age is no longer a matter of choice but an essential task," adding, "We are pushing for legislative and support measures that combine retirement age extension with reemployment."

Jeong made these remarks during the second high-level policy council held at the Federation of Korean Trade Unions (FKTU) in Yeouido, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the same day.

He explained, "We are also discussing countermeasures with the party's Youth Committee to minimize potential youth employment issues arising from retirement age extension and to seek ways for intergenerational coexistence."

Additionally, Jeong emphasized plans to promote the guarantee of basic political rights for public officials and teachers, as well as the legislation of the Public Service Employee Committee Act.

He said, "We must correct the anachronistic reality where public officials, even after working hours or on matters unrelated to their duties, feel unable to freely 'like' posts on social media due to concerns about others' perceptions," adding, "Among OECD member countries, it is rare to find cases where all political activities by teachers and public officials are completely prohibited."

He continued, "I hope we can find alternatives that uphold administrative neutrality for public officials while guaranteeing freedom of expression, a constitutional right."

Jeong further stated, "The Public Service Employee Committee Act will be the first step in protecting the rights and interests of public service workers in the public sector. Establishing rational personnel standards and non-discriminatory working conditions for public service employees is a key policy task for the Lee Jae-myung administration, and a bill has already been submitted to the National Assembly."

He added, "Even during the two months since the last council, the labor field has not stopped for a moment. As I visited worksites and witnessed workers losing their lives in industrial accidents, I felt deep regret. Ahead of full-scale activities such as industry-specific roundtables, the Democratic Party is determined to fulfill and complete the tasks it has promised."

Earlier, Kim Dong-myeong, President of the FKTU, said, "FKTU members have high expectations for Representative Jeong's consistent commitment to respecting labor," but also noted, "Some of the key issues proposed by the FKTU during the last high-level policy council, which were also agreed upon during the presidential election, are still adrift, so I would like to address a few points."

Kim called for the passage of legislation on retirement age extension and the Public Service Employee Committee within the year.

He said, "Despite numerous meetings, there has been no clear progress. The party and government must responsibly present a concrete plan for retirement age extension and ensure that legislation is completed within the year."

He added, "On the issue of basic political rights for public officials and teachers, I urge you and the party leadership to ensure passage during the regular session of the National Assembly. Regarding the improvement of working conditions for public service employees, if immediate improvements are difficult due to fiscal constraints, at least a committee should be established to discuss the issues. The passage of the Public Service Employee Committee Act within the year is essential."

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nkhwang@yna.co.kr

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