Honestly, do you know what the most ‘surprising’ news in the labor sector was this April 2026? It was the news that the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, or KCTU as we know it, was considering paying only half of April’s wages. It’s quite surprising, isn’t it, that a huge organization that forms a pillar of the Korean labor movement is experiencing such internal financial difficulties?
But the surprise was short-lived. Even in this situation, the KCTU continues its significant activities, from criticizing government labor policies to large-scale struggles. In fact, they are raising their voices even more strongly. Today, I’d like to talk about the KCTU’s major issues in 2026, as they steadfastly pursue their path despite internal difficulties.
2026: KCTU’s Unending Fight Over the ‘Fixed-Term Work Act’
Recently, President Lee Jae-myung mentioned the need to revise the Fixed-Term Work Act, which limits the employment period for fixed-term workers to two years, stating that it has become a ‘law prohibiting employment for more than two years.’ He argues that it increases employment instability in the field. However, the KCTU is firmly against this proposed revision of the Fixed-Term Work Act.
- Opposition to Extension of Term: The KCTU believes that extending the term is not a fundamental solution to employment stability. They point out that it would rather increase the number of irregular workers and make workers’ lives more unstable.
- Demand for Resolution of Dual Labor Market Structure: They are also raising their voices in criticism of the government’s proposed ‘resolution of the dual labor market structure,’ arguing that it could infringe upon the rights of irregular and subcontracted workers. It seems they truly believe these are fundamental values that must be upheld from the workers’ perspective.
- Expansion of Application to Workplaces with Fewer Than 5 Employees: They are also consistently advocating for the expansion of the Labor Standards Act to workplaces with fewer than 5 employees, which I also believe is a very urgent issue.
Declaration of ‘Year One of Direct Bargaining with Original Contractors’ and Announcement of July General Strike
The KCTU has declared 2026 as the ‘Year One of Direct Bargaining with Original Contractors’ and announced a general strike in July. This is important because it aims to allow subcontracted workers to directly negotiate with the original contractor, who is their de facto employer. Until now, negotiations only with subcontractors have had clear limitations. This shows a strong will to break through these limitations.
In particular, the Jeonnam Regional Labor Relations Commission recently ruled against the original contractor’s employer status for tower crane operators, which the KCTU strongly condemned as ‘the first case to deny employer responsibility since the enforcement of the Trade Union Act.’ In such a situation, achieving direct bargaining with original contractors is more than just a demand; it’s a declaration of their will to fight. They have sent a strong message that they will not back down in securing workers’ rights.
Shouting ‘Workers’ Rights’ Amidst Financial Difficulties
As mentioned earlier, the KCTU is currently facing financial difficulties, even considering paying only half of April’s wages due to unpaid membership fees. Despite these challenging internal circumstances, I think it’s truly remarkable that their external voice has not diminished at all.
- Welcome to Labor Day as a Public Holiday: Starting this year, May 1st, Labor Day, has finally become a legal public holiday. While the KCTU welcomes this measure, they emphasize that it must be followed by the resolution of blind spots, such as workplaces with fewer than 5 employees and platform workers.
- Policy Demands for the 2026 Local Elections: They are even collecting signatures for policy demands ahead of the upcoming 2026 local elections, aiming for ‘a transition to an equal and sustainable local community based on labor rights and public interest.’ Their efforts to care for the lives of local workers are truly legendary.
- Call for Minimum Wage Increase: In a meeting with President Lee Jae-myung, the KCTU clearly conveyed key demands of workers, including a minimum wage increase.
The internal difficulties faced by the KCTU are certainly not light. Nevertheless, their unwavering commitment to raising their voices for workers’ rights reflects an important aspect of the labor movement in our society. We will have to continue to watch how the KCTU navigates these challenges and achieves its goals.