Gyeongnam Education Superintendent Candidate Song Young-ki Urgently Stresses Labor Rights Guarantees

Ahead of 'International Workers' Day,' Gyeongnam Education Superintendent Candidate Song Young-ki emphasized the urgent need to guarantee basic rights for workers in all workplaces, specifically calling for improvements in the labor environment within educational settings. Candidate Song pointed out the passive limitations of the term 'geunro' (labor/work), explaining that the legal recognition of 'nodong' (labor), imbued with a more active and subjective meaning, is a significant turning point in societal perception.

While acknowledging progress, such as the first implementation of Labor Day as a legal holiday, which guarantees time off for teachers, civil servants, and precarious workers, Song highlighted that practical rights protections remain insufficient despite institutional changes. He identified the restriction of political expression for teachers and civil servants as a key issue, criticizing structural problems that hinder discussion and change in educational settings. He stated that the practice of limiting the speech of teachers and civil servants under the guise of political neutrality is outdated.

Song Young-ki recalled the death of a Hanjoo Alliance union worker in Jinju and the 9th anniversary of the crane accident in Geoje on May 1st, arguing for a fundamental redesign of systems to encompass all workers. He stated that an environment must be created within schools where all members can freely express opinions about unfair treatment and collectively respond. He stressed that responsible structures and practical safety measures are necessary to prevent recurring accidents in industrial sites, and that social memory and solidarity are crucial for this.

The Gyeongnam Office of Education must lead the way in guaranteeing labor rights, acting as an employer beyond a mere administrative body. It should strengthen the institutional foundation to ensure that various job categories within schools can enjoy their rights without discrimination. Song said, “We will continue our solidarity until the day fundamental rights are fully guaranteed in all workplaces, including schools. I hope this Labor Day marks the beginning of tangible change, beyond just being a commemoration.”