[Editorial] How Striking Workers Would Be Handled: We Will Watch

The central government has directed the local governments to punish those government workers who have participated in the "leave of absence" strike. Nonetheless, the localities do not seem to follow the direction. It is simply wrong. The local governments deserve our criticism for their opposition to the central government`s demand for severe disciplinary actions against the workers.

Despite all the causes the strike workers have put up on the front, it is illegal for the government employees to absent themselves on leave of absence in army, and act in direct opposition to the government policies. Under any circumstances, the law prohibits the government workers from walking out on their work. In addition, their negligence of their duties for days is an act disrespecting the taxpayers from whose money they earn their living.

Nevertheless, the local governors and administrative heads are avoiding punishing them. We cannot help but to doubt that the striking workers and the heads conspired together. In fact, some heads of the districts ignored the government guideline and permitted all the applications for the leave of absence filed. Thus, it is no wonder we think that way. Maybe, the local heads and governors are acting that way, aiming at the upcoming elections. Or they decided so since they are under control of their lieutenants. Either way, their behavior is not acceptable. How could they lead their organizations effectively without punishing their men who disobey the orders of their higher-ups?

Without punishing those who acted illegally, we cannot prevent any illegal moves motivated by the interests of special groups. Now, all the illegal tactics are being employed by various groups of special interest taking advantage of the chaotic vacuum in national administration caused by the lame duck and the upcoming presidential election. What would the heads say to a person who says, "You did not punish the government employees who disobeyed you and did illegal things. Then, why do you try to punish only me?"

The central and local governments have to understand they themselves have fostered this situation. They have not held accountable those who broke the law for their special interest. That`s enough. This time, they should teach the workers how severe the consequences may be of breaking the law. It is the government employees who should keep the law under any circumstances. But they are breaking the law right now! We don`t want an event like this to happen again. We will watch the way the striking workers are handled.