Today, the Last Round Negotiation on Five Weekday Work

Although the Korean Tripartite Commission (KTC) (chairperson Jang Young-Chul) plans to hold the last round negotiation between the labor and the management today following the standing committee meeting and the general meeting, it is unlikely that the labor and management will come to an agreement.

Therefore, it was reported that the KTC would submit the public committee proposal, which was announced by the KTC last month, to the government.

In relation to this, Yoo Yong-Tae Minister of Labor said, ``It is too early to declare the government`s independent legislation. We will wait as long as possible to draw an agreement.``

However, if the government plans to lay a bill before the National Assembly within this year, it should start the legislation procedure, such as the government-party consultation in the middle of this month.

Currently, the Federation of Korean Trade Unions argues that if the monthly and annual vacation is to be cut according to the public committee proposal, allowances and the retirement pay of the workers on long-term services will be reduced. The position of the business circles is that it is unnecessary to hurry the legislation by enduring losses.

Kim Joon-Seok kjs359@donga.com