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.

게시물 KCTU Considering Halving April Wages? Reasons for Unceasing Struggle Amidst Internal Financial Difficulties이 솜삽 블로그에 처음 등장했습니다.

I’m going to honestly delve into why this day, previously called ‘Workers’ Day,’ is changing to ‘Labor Day,’ and why it’s only now becoming a public holiday for the entire nation, exploring its background and hidden stories. It’s not just about one more day off; it’s a moment that shows a significant change in our society. Aren’t you curious?

Labor Day, Not Just a Simple Holiday? Its Origin and Hidden Meaning

To be honest, many people probably just thought of May 1st as ‘a day off.’ I did too. But once you know that this day isn’t just a simple holiday, you’ll feel a bit more solemn. The origin of this day is the general strike that took place in Chicago, USA, in 1886. At that time, workers suffered from poor conditions, working 10, or even over 14 hours a day. They then held large-scale demonstrations demanding ‘eight-hour workdays,’ which became the starting point of the global labor movement.

• May 1, 1886, Chicago General Strike, USA: A historic event where workers rose up demanding ‘eight-hour workdays.’
• 1889 Second International Declaration: In commemoration of the Chicago general strike, May 1st was officially declared ‘International Workers’ Day’ every year.
• Global Spread: Since then, many countries have celebrated May 1st as a day to strengthen workers’ rights and solidarity.

2026, A Major Change for Labor Day in Korea

Korea also celebrated May 1st early on, starting in 1923. But it has had many twists and turns. Even after liberation, it was celebrated on May 1st, but in 1958, it was changed to March 10th, the founding day of the Federation of Korean Trade Unions. Crucially, in 1963, it was changed to ‘Workers’ Day,’ which has continued until now. There was much controversy that the word ‘근로’ (geunro, meaning ‘labor’ or ‘work’) was a remnant of the Japanese colonial period, but finally, from 2026, the name will be reverted to ‘Labor Day.’ Isn’t this truly great news?

• Name Change from ‘Workers’ Day’ to ‘Labor Day’: The name ‘Workers’ Day,’ used until 2025, will officially change to ‘Labor Day’ from 2026.
• Designated as a National ‘Legal Public Holiday’: Labor Day, which was previously a paid holiday for private companies, became a legal public holiday for all citizens, including civil servants, teachers, and special employment workers, by a Cabinet meeting resolution on April 6, 2026.
• Change after 63 Years: This is a major change that has come after 63 years since the name was changed to ‘Workers’ Day’ in 1963, and it holds the meaning of ‘The 1st Labor Day’ as a legal commemorative day in Korea.

Labor Day, How Should We All Enjoy and Remember It?

Now, May 1st has truly become a day off for all of us. Rather than just thinking of it as one more red day on the calendar, how about reflecting on the true meaning of this day? In fact, there are countless workers around us who work in various forms. I hope we can take this opportunity to acknowledge their hard work and collectively consider better working conditions.

• Reflect on the Value of Labor: Take time to think about all forms of labor that sustain our society and respect their value.
• Rest and Recharge: It’s also important to take advantage of this rare full holiday to reflect on yourself and recharge.
• Express Gratitude to Workers Around You: How about expressing a small thank you to those who perform essential labor in our daily lives, such as delivery drivers, sanitation workers, and service industry professionals?

Labor Day 2026 will not just be a day off, but an important turning point for our society to more broadly recognize the value of labor and move forward together. I sincerely hope that everyone understands the true meaning of this day and spends it meaningfully.

게시물 Labor Day: Why it’s Finally a ‘Red Day’ for Everyone in 2026? The Truth You Didn’t Know이 솜삽 블로그에 처음 등장했습니다.