Unionized delivery workers of South Korea’s leading logistics firm, CJ Logistics Corp., stage a protest at the company’s headquarters in Seoul, calling for better working conditions, in the Feb. 11, 2022, file photo. (Yonhap)
SEOUL, Sept. 22 (Korea Bizwire) — Two out of three South Koreans believe that labor unions should not conduct illegal activities, a poll showed Wednesday.
According to a survey conducted by the Korea Enterprises Federation of 1,000 citizens, 67.5 percent of the respondents said that they understand the demands of labor unions, but they should not conduct illegal activities.
Among the respondents, 22.3 percent stressed that labor unions’ collectivism and illegal activities should not be accepted.
In response to a question about their perception of the nation’s labor unions and labor movements, 56.1 percent showed a somewhat or very negative perception, while 43.9 percent showed a positive perception.
As for the reason why they have a negative perception of labor unions and labor movements, 44.7 percent picked their illegal activities, including illegal assembly and illegal occupation of workplaces.
Following were ‘concentration on their vested interests’ at 27.6 percent, ‘moral hazards like embezzlement’ at 15.3 percent, and ‘political demands’ at 10.3 percent.
In response to a question about the manner of labor movements, 63.8 percent replied that they are somewhat or very violent.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
