Three-way panel to discuss issue of paying full-time union reps

The Tripartite labor-management-government committee is expected to hold a plenary meeting Friday to discuss postponing talks on the issue of paying full-time labor representatives and allowing plural labor unions (two or more labor unions in a company).

An official of the committee said Wednesday that both sides are considering postponing discussions on these matters for about three years.

The committee is also seeking ways to narrow their differences in these areas and on the issue of instituting a five-day workweek.

An official of the Korea Employers Federation said those in business circles would consider postponing discussion on plural labor unions but that the ban on paying full-time union representatives should be implemented as scheduled.

The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, which has refused to participate in the committee, voiced its opposition to postponing talks on plural labor unions and the shortened workweek. It is still unclear whether the panel would settle all pending issues at the plenary session Friday.

Jung Young-Gwan yongari@donga.com